Request specs & Samples

Navy Beans: Navigating the Ingredient’s Culinary Seas

Dive into the rich history of navy beans with St. Charles Trading. Explore culinary possibilities and elevate your dishes to new heights!
Navy Bean Soup on a countertop as a spoon is picking up a portion of it.

embark on a journey of navy bean possibilities

Attention, food purchasing professionals! Today, we venture into the world of navy beans, also known as haricot beans or white beans. These versatile legumes have a storied history and offer a multitude of culinary possibilities. At St. Charles Trading, we take pride in providing businesses with high-quality food ingredients, such as navy beans, and we are here to showcase their unique flavor profile and how they can enhance your purchasing strategy.

A Brief Historical Explanation

Originally from South America, the beans have a remarkable historical significance and have gained popularity worldwide. As they made their way to Europe through Spanish explorers in the 15th century, these small beans quickly captured the attention of culinary enthusiasts. Over time, navy beans became associated with the United States Navy, due to their inclusion in the rations of sailors.

These beans were highly valued for their long shelf life, nutritional content, and ability to provide sustenance during lengthy voyages. Today, navy beans remain a beloved ingredient in traditional American comfort food, including the iconic Boston baked beans.

Unlock the Culinary Versatility and Nutritional Richness with this Delectable Recipe

An overhead shot of navy bean soup from above.

Here’s a delicious Navy Bean and Ham Soup recipe for you:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound dried navy beans, rinsed and soaked overnight
  • 1 ham hock or 1 to 1.5 cups diced ham
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cups kale, stems removed and chopped (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cider vinegar (optional, for added brightness)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Beans:

    • Rinse the dried navy beans thoroughly and soak them in a large bowl of water overnight. Drain before using.
  2. Sauté Aromatics:

    • Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
    • Add chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add Ham and Beans:

    • If using a ham hock, add it to the pot. Otherwise, add diced ham.
    • Pour in the soaked and drained navy beans.
    • Stir in chicken or vegetable broth, bay leaves, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
  4. Simmer:

    • Bring the soup to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender. If using a ham hock, remove it from the pot, shred the meat, and return it to the soup.
  5. Adjust Seasoning:

    • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or thyme to suit your taste.
  6. Add Greens and Vinegar (Optional):

    • Stir in chopped kale if desired and cook until wilted.
    • For a touch of brightness, add cider vinegar to the soup and stir.
  7. Serve:

    • Remove the bay leaves before serving.
    • Serve the Navy Bean and Ham Soup hot, and enjoy with crusty bread or a side salad.

This hearty and flavorful soup is perfect for a comforting meal, especially on colder days. Adjust the ingredients and seasonings according to your preferences. Enjoy!

St. Charles Trading and the Flavor of Navy Beans!

Not only will we enhance your recipes but we’ll also optimize your food purchasing processes. Trust in our commitment to quality and impeccable customer service, and experience the difference of partnering with St. Charles Trading.

Contact us today and unlock the full potential through your culinary creations. Let us be your reliable partner in sourcing high-quality ingredients and optimizing your purchasing strategy. Together, we will achieve culinary excellence in your business.

Navy Beans in a white bowl on a gray countertop.
Mushed navy beans mixed with chicken in a white bowl on top of a white surface. To the right sits a slice of cornbread.

Partner with St. Charles Trading for Superior Navy Beans and Optimized Purchasing Processes.

As ingredient purchasing professionals, we understand that quality ingredients are the cornerstone of exceptional culinary experiences. St. Charles Trading is your trusted source for premium navy beans that meet the highest industry standards. Our navy beans are carefully selected and processed to ensure optimal flavor, texture, and overall quality, providing you with confidence in your purchasing decisions. Partnering with St. Charles Trading goes beyond simply providing top-notch ingredients. Our expertise in the food industry allows us to offer tailored solutions for your business, including recipe development, allergen testing, and sourcing optimization. By working with us, you can reduce waste, streamline your purchasing processes, and enhance your bottom line.

Ready to talk?

Are you looking for spec sheets, samples or prices? We would love to chat about how we can help.