Imagine a soup so rich, hearty, and packed with flavor that it instantly transports you to a cozy kitchen on a chilly day. Our Ninja Foodi Ham and Bean Soup is not just a recipe—it's a culinary experience that combines tender ham, creamy navy beans, and a medley of vegetables into one incredible dish that will have your family begging for seconds. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a soul-warming meal that feeds a crowd, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 70 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ham, diced
- 1 cup dried navy beans, soaked overnight
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the dried navy beans. Rinse them under cold water and soak them overnight in a large bowl filled with water. This will help soften the beans and reduce cooking time.
- Once the beans are soaked, drain and rinse them again. Set them aside for later use.
- Prepare your vegetables: chop the onion, slice the carrots, and slice the celery stalks. Ensure all ingredients are ready for cooking to streamline the process.
- Set your Ninja Foodi to the 'Sauté' function. Add a small amount of oil to the pot and allow it to heat up for a minute.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Next, add the diced ham to the pot and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the ham is slightly browned.
- Now, add the sliced carrots and celery to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Once the vegetables are slightly softened, add the soaked navy beans to the pot along with the 4 cups of chicken broth.
- Sprinkle in the thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine all ingredients well.
- Close the lid of the Ninja Foodi and ensure the pressure release valve is set to 'Seal'.
- Switch the Ninja Foodi to 'Pressure Cook' mode and set the timer for 30 minutes. This will cook the beans and meld the flavors together.
- After the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to 'Vent' to release any remaining pressure.
- Once all the pressure has been released, open the lid and give the soup a good stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the ham and bean soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious and hearty meal!
Tips
- Bean Soaking is Key: Always soak your dried navy beans overnight to ensure even cooking and better digestibility. This step helps reduce cooking time and improves the texture of the beans.
- Layer Your Flavors: Sautéing the onions, ham, and vegetables before pressure cooking allows the ingredients to develop a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
- Natural Pressure Release: Allow the soup to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes after cooking. This helps the beans continue to soften and prevents them from becoming mushy.
- Seasoning Secrets: Don't be afraid to experiment with herbs. While thyme is classic, you can also try rosemary or a bay leaf for additional depth of flavor.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This soup actually tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance. The flavors will continue to meld and intensify overnight.
- Customize Your Soup: Feel free to add additional vegetables like potatoes or swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to suit your dietary preferences.
- Storage Tips: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers and reheat gently when ready to serve.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 40mg
