5 Delicious Navy Bean Recipes You Need to Try

Beans are a staple in various cuisines worldwide because of their nutritional value and versatility in cooking. Among the many types of beans, navy beans stand out for their mild flavor and creamy texture when cooked. If you've been looking for new ways to incorporate this versatile legume into your meals, here are five delicious navy bean recipes you'll want to try.

The Creamy Navy Bean Soup

Begin with a comforting bowl of Creamy Navy Bean Soup, perfect for chilly evenings:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 pound dried navy beans
  • 8 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 onions, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ¹⁄₂ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Steps:
  1. Soak the beans overnight or use the quick soak method (boil for 2 minutes, let sit for an hour).
  2. Heat oil in a large pot, sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until tender.
  3. Add beans, broth, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil then simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until beans are tender.
  4. Remove bay leaf, blend half of the soup until smooth then mix back into the pot for a creamy consistency.
  5. Stir in heavy cream, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.

📌 Note: If you prefer a vegetarian soup, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Navy Bean Hummus

For a twist on the traditional hummus, try making it with navy beans:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 ¹⁄₂ cups cooked navy beans
  • ¹⁄₄ cup tahini
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • ¹⁄₃ cup olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • ¹⁄₂ teaspoon cumin
  • Paprika for garnish
  • Extra olive oil for drizzling
• Steps:
  1. In a food processor, combine all ingredients except for paprika and extra olive oil. Process until smooth.
  2. If the hummus is too thick, add a bit of water or more olive oil to reach desired consistency.
  3. Serve in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with paprika.

📌 Note: Navy beans provide a lighter flavor, making this hummus an excellent alternative for those who find chickpea hummus too strong.

Navy Bean and Spinach Salad

Here’s a fresh and healthy salad to enjoy navy beans in a new light:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups cooked navy beans
  • 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
  • ¹⁄₂ red onion, thinly sliced
  • ¹⁄₄ cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Steps:
  1. In a large bowl, combine spinach, navy beans, red onion, feta, and avocado.
  2. Whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
  3. Drizzle over the salad and toss gently to combine.

📌 Note: This salad is perfect for meal prep as it can last in the fridge for a couple of days.

Hearty Navy Bean Chili

For those who crave something more substantial:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cans navy beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper
  • Optional toppings: cheese, sour cream, green onions
• Steps:
  1. In a large pot, brown the ground meat over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
  2. Add onions and garlic, cook until onions are soft.
  3. Stir in beans, tomatoes, and spices. Simmer for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  4. Serve hot with optional toppings.

📌 Note: You can make this chili vegetarian by skipping the meat and adding more vegetables like bell peppers or corn.

Navy Bean and Herb Casserole

Finally, a comforting casserole to warm your soul:

• Ingredients:
  • 3 cups cooked navy beans
  • 1 cup chopped mixed herbs (parsley, basil, thyme)
  • 1 cup vegetable or chicken stock
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 1 carrot, diced
  • ¹⁄₂ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Butter for greasing
• Steps:
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish.
  2. Sauté onion, garlic, and carrot in olive oil until soft.
  3. Mix in beans, herbs, and stock. Season to taste.
  4. Transfer to the baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown.

📌 Note: This dish can be enhanced with a sprinkle of cheese on top for a gooey, delicious finish.

In closing, navy beans are an incredible ingredient that can be utilized in a myriad of recipes, each highlighting their unique texture and flavor profile. From soups to salads, dips to casseroles, these recipes showcase how versatile and nutritious navy beans can be. Whether you're aiming for comfort food or something lighter and healthier, navy beans can be a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire. Remember, beans like navy beans are not only delicious but also packed with fiber, protein, and essential nutrients, making them a smart choice for any meal.

Can I use canned navy beans for these recipes?

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Yes, absolutely. Canned navy beans can replace dried ones in most recipes. Just be sure to rinse them to reduce sodium levels. You might need to adjust cooking time since they are already cooked.

Are navy beans good for my health?

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Navy beans are rich in fiber, which aids digestion, lowers cholesterol, and controls blood sugar levels. They also contain plenty of protein, antioxidants, and minerals like magnesium and iron, making them a healthy choice.

How long should I soak navy beans?

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For the traditional method, soak navy beans for at least 8 hours or overnight. For the quick soak method, bring them to a boil for 2 minutes, then let them sit for an hour. After soaking, drain and rinse the beans before cooking.

Can I freeze dishes with navy beans?

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Yes, navy bean dishes like soups, stews, and casseroles freeze well. Cool the dish completely before freezing. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.