Diet: Vegan, Dairy Free, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Navy beans are small, pea-sized beans that are creamy white in color. As a concentrated energy source with a long shelf life, navy beans were a staple on U.S. Navy vessels in the mid-1800s, earning them their name. They are mild-flavored beans that are dense and smooth. They are high in fiber, calcium, and iron, and are a great source of protein, which helps your body repair cells and make new ones. Navy beans are high in folate, thiamin, magnesium, phosphorous and iron, and are also a rich source of manganese and copper (trace minerals that work together as part of the body’s antioxidant defenses).
Dried navy beans can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry and dark place, where they will keep for up to 12 months. Cooked navy beans will keep fresh in the refrigerator for about three days if placed in a covered container. One pound of dried beans is about 2 ½ cups of beans, which yields 5-6 cups of cooked beans.
SERVES: 4
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked navy beans (½-¾ cups dried)
- 2 medium sized carrots
- 4 cups water
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 large garlic cloves, roughly chopped
- 2 bunches kale, chopped (4 cups packed)
- 1 14.5 oz. can Italian-style diced tomatoes
- 2 Tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne powder (optional)
Directions
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Presoak ½-¾ cups dried navy beans (allow several hours for this step): check for and remove stones and damaged beans by spreading them out on a light colored plate or cooking surface. Rinse beans in a strainer and place them in a saucepan with two to three cups of water. Boil the beans for 2 minutes, take pan off heat, cover and allow to stand for 2 hours. Drain the soaking liquid and rinse the beans with water.
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Cook navy beans: return soaked beans to pot, cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally. Beans are done when a fork can easily be inserted (fork tender). Strain and set aside.
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Peel and slice carrots into ¼ inch pieces. Put into pot and cover with 4 cups water. Cook until fork can be inserted easily, but before carrots get mushy (almost fork tender).
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In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook 3 minutes stirring lightly. Add garlic and cook 2 minutes longer.
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Add the cooked carrots and their water to the pot; then add kale, tomatoes, salt, black pepper and fresh oregano. Cover pot and cook 5 minutes or until kale is tender. Stir in cayenne powder, if using, to make it spicy. Add beans. Serve hot.