Navy Beans Recipe
A warm and hearty Navy Beans Recipe made with creamy beans, smoky ham, carrots, celery, garlic, and herbs. Perfect for a quick, comforting meal.
4 Servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 8 ounces ham diced
- 1 carrot diced
- 1 celery stalk diced
- ½ small onion diced
- 4 garlic cloves finely chopped
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes halved
- 2 15-ounce cans navy beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Brown the Ham
- In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced ham and cook until browned and slightly caramelized, approximately 5 minutes. Remove the ham from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables
- Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Incorporate the diced carrot, celery, and onion. Sauté for 5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the chopped garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Cook the Tomatoes
- Introduce the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, or until the tomatoes blister and release their juices.
Deglaze the Pan and Build the Base
- Pour in the chicken broth and deglaze the skillet by scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This step adds depth of flavor to the dish.
Combine the Ingredients
- Return the browned ham to the skillet, then add the navy beans, bay leaf, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Stir to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
Simmer the Dish
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Allow it to cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water if a thinner consistency is preferred.
Adjust Seasoning and Garnish
- Taste the dish and season with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
Notes
To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure that the chicken broth, ham, and all seasonings are certified gluten-free. Take care to avoid cross-contamination by using clean utensils and surfaces during preparation.