Naval beans, also known as navy beans, are small, white beans that are packed with nutrition and have a delicious, mild flavor. They are a staple in many kitchens and are often used to make hearty soups, stews, and salads. If you want to learn how to cook navy beans on the stove, you’ve come to the right place!

To start, you’ll need to soak the navy beans overnight. This helps to soften them and reduce the cooking time. Simply place the beans in a large bowl and cover them with water. Let them soak for at least 8 hours or overnight. Once they are done soaking, drain and rinse the beans.

Next, you’ll need a large pot with a lid. Add the soaked navy beans to the pot and cover them with fresh water. The beans should be covered with about 2 inches of water. If you want to add extra flavor, you can also add some chopped onion, garlic, or herbs to the pot.

Now it’s time to cook the navy beans. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Let the beans simmer for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until they are tender. You can check for doneness by taking a bean and biting into it. If it’s soft and creamy, they are ready.

Remember, cooking times may vary depending on the freshness of the beans, so keep an eye on them and taste them occasionally to avoid overcooking.

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Once the navy beans are tender, remove the pot from the heat and drain any excess liquid. Your cooked navy beans are now ready to be used in your favorite recipes!

Whether you want to make a classic bean soup or a comforting bean stew, knowing how to cook navy beans on the stove is a valuable skill that will allow you to enjoy their delicious taste and benefit from their nutritional value. Soak, simmer, and enjoy!

What are navy beans?

Navy beans, also known as haricot beans or pea beans, are small, oval-shaped legumes that are creamy white in color. They got their name from being a staple food in the diet of the United States Navy during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

These beans are widely popular due to their mild flavor and versatility in various dishes. They have a delicate, creamy texture when cooked, making them perfect for soups, stews, casseroles, and bean salads.

Nutritional value of navy beans

Navy beans are an excellent source of dietary fiber, protein, and complex carbohydrates. Additionally, they are low in fat and contain essential vitamins and minerals such as folate, iron, potassium, and magnesium.

One cup (182 grams) of cooked navy beans provides approximately:

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Nutrient Amount
Calories 255
Protein 15 grams
Fat 1 gram
Carbohydrates 47 grams
Fiber 19 grams
Folate 64% of the Daily Value (DV)
Iron 30% of the DV
Potassium 20% of the DV
Magnesium 30% of the DV

Navy beans are a nutritious addition to a balanced diet and can provide numerous health benefits, including improved digestion, heart health, and blood sugar control.

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Health benefits of navy beans

Navy beans are a type of legume that are packed with nutritional benefits. These small, white beans are a versatile ingredient that are not only delicious, but also provide numerous health advantages.

Nutrient Amount per 100g
Protein 8.5g
Fiber 10.5g
Folate 254μg
Magnesium 48mg
Iron 2.8mg

Here are some of the health benefits of navy beans:

  • Rich in protein: Navy beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, making them a great option for vegetarians and vegans. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.
  • High in fiber: Navy beans are a great source of dietary fiber, which is important for maintaining a healthy digestive system and preventing constipation. Fiber can also help regulate blood sugar levels and promote satiety.
  • Packed with folate: Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is important for cell growth and development. Navy beans are rich in folate, which is especially important for pregnant women as it helps prevent certain birth defects.
  • Good source of magnesium: Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including muscle and nerve function, immune system health, and regulating blood pressure. Navy beans are a good source of magnesium.
  • Provides iron: Iron is necessary for the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen throughout the body. Navy beans contain iron, making them a beneficial food for preventing iron deficiency and anemia.

Incorporating navy beans into your diet can provide you with these health benefits and more. Whether you enjoy them in soups, stews, salads, or as a side dish, navy beans are a nutritious addition to any meal.

Preparing Navy Beans

Before cooking navy beans on the stove, it is important to properly prepare them. Follow these steps to ensure your navy beans are clean and ready to be cooked:

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Step 1: Sorting the Beans

Begin by sorting through the navy beans to remove any debris or stones. Spread the beans out on a flat surface and carefully inspect each one. Discard any beans that appear discolored, shriveled, or damaged in any way.

Step 2: Rinsing the Beans

Once you have sorted the navy beans, place them in a colander or strainer and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water. This will help remove any remaining dirt or dust.

Step 3: Soaking the Beans

Soaking the navy beans is an important step to help soften them and reduce their cooking time. There are two methods you can use:

Method Soaking Time
Traditional Method Overnight soaking
Quick Soak Method Boiling water soak for 1 hour

For the traditional method, place the sorted and rinsed navy beans in a large bowl and cover them with water. Allow them to soak overnight, or for at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse the beans before cooking.

If you prefer a quicker method, you can use the quick soak method. Simply place the sorted and rinsed navy beans in a pot and cover them with boiling water. Let them soak for 1 hour, then drain and rinse before cooking.

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Now that your navy beans are properly prepared, they are ready to be cooked on the stove using your preferred recipe.

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Soaking navy beans

Soaking navy beans is an important step in preparing them for cooking. This process helps to soften the beans, reduce cooking time, and make them easier to digest.

To soak navy beans, follow these steps:

1. Sort and rinse the beans:

Spread the beans on a clean surface and remove any debris or discolored beans. Rinse them thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or impurities.

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2. Choose a soaking method:

There are two common methods for soaking navy beans:

– Overnight soak:

In a large bowl, add 3 cups of cold water for every 1 cup of beans. Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let the beans soak overnight, or for at least 8 hours.

– Quick soak:

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In a large pot, add 3 cups of cold water for every 1 cup of beans. Bring the water to a boil and let the beans cook for 2 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat, cover it with a lid, and let the beans soak for 1 hour.

3. Drain and rinse the beans:

After the soaking time is complete, drain the beans and rinse them under cold water. This helps to wash away any residue and reduce the gas-causing compounds in the beans.

Now, your navy beans are ready to be cooked. Follow your desired cooking method to prepare a delicious dish with navy beans.

Draining and rinsing navy beans

Once you have soaked navy beans overnight or for at least 8 hours, it’s important to drain and rinse them before cooking. Draining and rinsing the beans helps remove excess starch and reduces the chances of digestive discomfort.

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To drain the navy beans, carefully pour the soaking water out of the pot or bowl they were soaked in. Try not to pour the beans out at the same time so that you don’t accidentally lose any of them.

After draining, rinse the navy beans with fresh water. Place them in a colander or strainer and run cold water over them, allowing the water to flow through and wash away any remaining starch or debris. Use your hands to gently agitate the beans while rinsing to ensure thorough cleaning.

Continue rinsing until the water runs clear and there’s no more foam or cloudiness. This step is important to ensure that the beans are clean and ready for cooking.

Once the beans are drained and rinsed, they are ready to be cooked using your preferred cooking method.

Cooking navy beans on the stove

Navy beans are small white beans that are often used in dishes like soups, stews, and salads. They are a great source of protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. Here’s how you can cook navy beans on the stove:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup dried navy beans
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

  1. Sort and rinse the navy beans under cold water. Remove any debris or stones.
  2. In a large pot, add the navy beans, water, bay leaf, and salt.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid.
  5. Simmer the navy beans for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until they are tender.
  6. Check the beans occasionally and add more water if needed to keep them submerged.
  7. Once the navy beans are tender, remove them from the heat and drain any excess liquid.
  8. Discard the bay leaf and season the beans with additional salt or spices as desired.
  9. The cooked navy beans can now be used in various recipes or enjoyed as a side dish.
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Notes:

You can customize the flavor of your navy beans by adding ingredients like onions, garlic, herbs, or spices during the cooking process. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination.

Avoid adding salt or acidic ingredients like tomatoes or vinegar to the cooking water, as it can make the navy beans tough and hard to cook.

Cooked navy beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days or frozen for longer storage.

Nutritional Information per 1 cup (182g) of Cooked Navy Beans:
Calories 255
Protein 15.0g
Carbohydrates 47.6g
Fiber 19.1g
Fat 0.9g
Iron 3.6mg
Potassium 960mg

FAQ

What are navy beans and how do they differ from other types of beans?

Navy beans, also known as haricot beans, are small white beans with a mild flavor and creamy texture. They are a type of common bean and are similar to other white beans, such as great northern beans and cannellini beans. The main difference is their size, with navy beans being smaller in size.

Can navy beans be cooked on the stove?

Yes, navy beans can be easily cooked on the stove. They don’t require any special equipment or techniques. All you need is a pot, water, and a little bit of patience.

Do navy beans need to be soaked before cooking?

Soaking navy beans overnight or for at least 8 hours is recommended to help soften them and reduce cooking time. However, if you don’t have time for soaking, you can do a quick soak by boiling them for a few minutes and then letting them sit for an hour.

How long does it take to cook navy beans on the stove?

The cooking time for navy beans can vary depending on the freshness of the beans and whether or not they were soaked. On average, it takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to simmer them until they are tender. Soaking the beans overnight can reduce the cooking time to about 45 minutes to an hour.

What can I do with cooked navy beans?

Cooked navy beans can be used in a variety of recipes. They can be seasoned and eaten as a side dish, added to soups, stews, and casseroles, or mashed and used as a base for spreads and dips. They are also commonly used in baked beans and chili.

What are navy beans?

Navy beans, also known as haricot beans, are small white beans that are popular in many dishes. They are particularly common in American cuisine, and they are often used in soups, stews, and casseroles.