Navy Bean and Ham Soup

Navy Bean and Ham Soup is a hearty, classic American comfort food, typically made with small white navy beans, diced ham (often from a leftover ham bone), onions, carrots, celery, and herbs like thyme and bay leaf. It's a staple of home cooking, especially popular in the Northeastern United States, and is known for its rich, savory broth and satisfying texture.

🍳 View the full Navy Bean and Ham Soup recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This soup is a well-balanced meal, offering a good mix of complex carbohydrates from the beans, protein from the ham, and fiber. A typical 1.5-cup serving provides around 250-350 calories, along with significant amounts of iron, potassium, and B vitamins.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	180 kcal
Protein	12 g
Carbs	25 g
Fat	3 g
Fiber	8 g
Sugar	4 g
Sodium	850 mg
Potassium	450 mg
Iron	3.2 mg
Calcium	60 mg
Vitamin A	45 mcg RAE
Vitamin C	3 mg
Thiamin (B1)	0.3 mg
Folate	120 mcg DFE
Magnesium	45 mg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, this soup is a prime example of 'nose-to-tail' cooking, traditionally using the ham bone to flavor the broth, making it an economical and waste-reducing dish. Nutritionally, the combination of beans and ham creates a complete protein source, making it a particularly nourishing meal for colder months.