Are you craving a comforting, healthy, and delicious meal that’s ready in a flash? Look no further! This Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup recipe is your answer. Forget hours of simmering on the stove; this easy recipe delivers a flavorful and satisfying soup in a fraction of the time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxing weekend lunch. It's one of those healthy meals that tastes so good, you'll want to make it again and again! This quick dinner idea is also incredibly versatile, allowing for easy customization to suit your taste preferences. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried navy beans, rinsed and picked over
- 6 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped ham or bacon (for a richer flavor)
Instructions:
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Sauté the vegetables: Set your Instant Pot to the "Sauté" function. Add olive oil, then add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Add remaining ingredients: Add the rinsed navy beans, water (or broth), thyme, rosemary, black pepper, bay leaf, and salt to the Instant Pot. If using, add the ham or bacon now.
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Pressure cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to "Sealing." Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. Allow a natural pressure release for 15 minutes, then carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.
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Blend (optional): If you prefer a smoother soup, carefully use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup to your desired consistency. Be cautious when blending hot liquids.
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Serve: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper if desired. Garnish with fresh parsley or a swirl of olive oil, if you like. This delicious dish pairs perfectly with crusty bread for dipping.
Cooking Tips for the Best Navy Bean Soup:
- Soaking (optional): While not strictly necessary with an Instant Pot, soaking the beans overnight can reduce cooking time and potentially improve digestion. If soaking, add an extra 30 minutes of soaking time to the water before cooking.
- Salt Timing: Adding salt at the beginning can make the beans tough. It's best to add it towards the end of cooking or after blending.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Delicious Variations:
- Spicy Navy Bean Soup: Add a diced jalapeño pepper along with the other vegetables.
- Vegetarian Navy Bean Soup: Omit the ham or bacon for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Creamy Navy Bean Soup: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving for a creamier texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the ingredients used and serving size. For a general estimate, one serving contains approximately 200-250 calories, 10-15 grams of protein, and 40-50 grams of carbohydrates. This is a great source of fiber and essential nutrients.
This simple yet flavorful Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup is a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals. Enjoy the ease and deliciousness of this homemade cooking masterpiece!