Boldly Flavored, Budget Friendly Navy Bean Soup

Of the many reasons to simmer a pot of homemade Navy Bean Soup, (yes, I did say many) one of the most compelling is the price. I will get to the others shortly.

For pennies per heaping mouth-watering bowl you can serve one of the most satisfying simmering soups that you and your family will ever enjoy. For that matter, the intriguing mix of flavors lends it to dinner party fare! (Ok, Ok, Ok, maybe I am pushing the soup a little far with dinner party fare, but what can I say) It is a soup with such sustenance and nutrition, all while it warms the winter chill away. Now I ask you, can you put a value on such a recipe? Yes, priceless!

Gin's Navy Bean Soup

1 pound dried navy beans
three quarts water
3 pounds smoked ham hocks
14 ounces Smoked Turkey Sausage
1 large onion, chopped
2 tablespoons McCormick smokehouse pepper
4 teaspoons Ham flavored soup base
1 teaspoon liquid smoke
2 cups chicken broth (optional)
salt to taste

Wash the navy beans and soak in 5 quarts cool water overnight. Drain beans and rinse. Place beans into pot with three quarts water. Add ham hocks, chopped onions, ham flavored soup base, and simmer approximately three hours in a covered pot, stirring occasionally. Remove ham hocks and set aside to cool. Dice meat and return to soup (optional.) Bring to a boil and season with 2 tablespoons McCormick smokehouse pepper, 1 teaspoon liquid smoke and salt to taste. Once boiling bring soup back to a simmer. At this point, the soup will be thick, you can serve as is or thin with 2 cups chicken broth (which is what I do.) In the meantime, slice smoked turkey sausage into thin coins and brown in a non stick pan. To serve, ladle soup into bowls, and stack sausage coins on top. Serve with crackers and hot sauce if so desired. The last thing you have to do is to ENJOY!

I did promise that I would get to the other reasons to simmer a pot of Gin’s Navy Bean Soup. We all know that beans pack a wallop of nutrition. They are full of protein and fiber, all of which could help you lose those extra holiday pounds. They are hearty and healthy. They are full of flavor with an ease to prepare. What more could you ask for?

If you are looking for something magnificent, your search is over. Gin’s Navy Bean Soup is comfort food at it’s finest. Now, get a simmering!