Navy beans, also known as haricot beans, are a versatile type of bean that can be used in soups, stews, salads and more. When cooked properly, navy beans become tender and creamy. In this article, I will instruct you how to cook navy beans in 3 different ways.
1. Do Navy Beans Need To Be Soaked Before Cooking?
Yes, you need to soak navy beans before cooking. Soaking helps shorten the cooking time and can make the beans more digestible by starting the hydration process.
To soak navy beans, place them in a large container and cover with at least 2-3 inches of water. Let them soak overnight or for 8 hours. Drain and rinse the beans before cooking. With soaking, navy beans take around 1-1.5 hours to become tender when simmering on the stove.
2. How To Cook Navy Beans in Crock Pot
Ingredients
- 1 lb dried navy beans, soaked overnight and drained
- 1 smoked ham hock or ham bone
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cups water or broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1⁄4 tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
Place the soaked navy beans into a crockpot. Add the ham hock, onion, bay leaf and seasonings. Pour in the water or broth.
Cook on LOW heat for 7-8 hours, until the beans are very soft and tender.
Remove the ham hock. Take off any meat from the bone and chop the meat. Return the chopped ham to the beans.
Mash some of the beans against the side of the crockpot to thicken the liquid if desired.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving. Enjoy the tender navy beans and smoky ham flavor!
3. How To Cook Navy Beans in Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 lb dried navy beans, rinsed
- 1 smoked ham hock
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cups water or broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1⁄4 tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
Place all the ingredients into the Instant Pot and stir gently.
Secure the lid and set the valve to Sealing. Select the Beans/Chili program and adjust cook time to 25 minutes.
Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes after cooking completes. Then release the remaining pressure manually.
Remove the ham hock, take off any meat and chop it. Return the chopped ham to pot.
Mash some beans against the pot’s side to thicken liquid if desired.
Let sit 5 minutes before serving. Season with more salt and pepper if needed.
4. How To Cook Navy Beans on Stove
Ingredients
- 1 lb dried navy beans, soaked overnight
- 1 smoked ham hock or ham bone
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cups water or broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1⁄4 tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
Drain the soaked beans and place them into a large pot. Add the ham hock, onion, bay leaf and seasonings. Pour in the water or broth.
Bring the liquid to a boil over high heat. Then reduce heat to low, cover partially and simmer for 1-1.5 hours. Skim any foam that rises to the top.
Check beans for doneness after 1 hour. Cook longer if needed until very soft and tender.
Remove ham hock, take off meat and chop it. Return chopped ham to pot.
Mash some beans against the side to thicken liquid if desired.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving the tender beans. Enjoy this classic hearty bean dish!
Navy beans are a versatile pantry staple that can be cooked in many ways. Try soaking them overnight before simmering or cooking them in a crockpot or Instant Pot along with smoked ham for maximum flavor. The possibilities are endless with navy beans! Adjust simmer times as needed until the beans become tender and creamy for your desired texture.
