How To Cook Navy Beans Southern Style

A Southern Delight: Cooking Navy Beans Southern Style

When it comes to Southern cooking, few dishes are as beloved and comforting as a steaming bowl of navy beans. With their creamy texture and hearty flavor, navy beans are a staple in Southern cuisine. Whether enjoyed as a main course, a side dish, or even in soups and stews, these little legumes are packed with nutritional value and can be the star ingredient in a satisfying meal.

What are Navy Beans?

Navy beans, also known as haricot beans, are small, oval-shaped white beans that get their name from their association with the U.S. Navy, who included them in their rations during the 19th century. These beans are mild in flavor and have a creamy texture, making them versatile and suitable for various cooking techniques.

Prepping Navy Beans

Before you embark on your Southern cooking adventure, it’s essential to properly prepare your navy beans. Follow these steps:

1. Sort and Rinse: Start by sorting through the navy beans to remove any debris or imperfect beans. Rinse them in a colander under cool water.
2. Soak: Soaking the beans will not only help to shorten the cooking time but also make them easier to digest. There are two methods for soaking:
• Overnight Soak: Cover the beans with water and let them soak overnight. Drain and rinse before cooking.
• Quick Soak: Place the beans in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes, remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 1 hour. Drain and rinse before cooking.
3. Drain and Rinse: After soaking, drain the beans and give them a final rinse before cooking.

Cooking Navy Beans Southern Style

Now that your navy beans are ready, it’s time to infuse them with classic Southern flavors. Here’s a simple Southern-style recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of navy beans, prepped
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 slices of bacon, chopped
• 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the pot.
2. Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until they become fragrant and translucent.
3. Add the prepped navy beans, chicken or vegetable broth, bay leaf, and smoked paprika to the pot. Stir well to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally and add more broth if needed.
5. Once the beans are tender, season with salt and black pepper to taste. Discard the bay leaf.
6. Serve the Southern-style navy beans hot, garnished with the crispy bacon.

Now, sit back and savor the comforting aromas of your homemade Southern-style navy beans. Serve them alongside cornbread, collard greens, or fried chicken for a true taste of the South.

Benefits of Navy Beans

In addition to being delicious, navy beans offer numerous health benefits:

• Rich in Fiber: Navy beans are an excellent source of dietary fiber, assisting in healthy digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness.
• High in Protein: These legumes are a plant-based protein powerhouse, making them a great choice for vegetarians and vegans.
• Packed with Nutrients: Navy beans are rich in folate, manganese, iron, and other essential nutrients, supporting overall well-being.
• Heart-Healthy: Consuming navy beans may help to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

So, embrace the Southern tradition and cook up a pot of navy beans Southern style. Your taste buds and your body will thank you!