Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Preparation
- Soak the Beans: Start by rinsing 2 cups of navy beans under cold water. Then, soak them in a large bowl of water overnight. If you’re short on time, a quick soak method involves boiling the beans for 2 minutes, then letting them sit for 1 hour.
Cooking
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion, 2 chopped carrots, and 2 stalks of chopped celery. Sauté these vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, or until they become tender and fragrant.
- Add Garlic: Once the vegetables are softened, add 3 cloves of minced garlic to the pot. Cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently.
- Combine Ingredients: Next, introduce the soaked navy beans to the pot along with 6 cups of vegetable broth, 2 bay leaves, and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Stir everything together.
- Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low.
- Simmer the Soup: Allow the soup to simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally, and if the soup thickens too much, add a bit more broth or water.
- Blend for Creaminess: If you prefer a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup directly in the pot. Alternatively, you can transfer a cup or two to a blender, blend until smooth, and then return it to the pot.
- Season to Taste: Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add salt, pepper, or even a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
