Rinse the dried navy beans under cold water.

Soak the beans overnight or use the quick-soak method by boiling the beans for 2 minutes and letting them sit for 1 hour.

In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.

If using ham or bacon, add it to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes.

Drain the soaked beans and add them to the pot along with the bay leaf, thyme, black pepper, and salt.

Pour in the broth or water, ensuring the beans are well covered.

Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 1 to 1.5 hours.

Once the beans are soft, taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

For extra creaminess, mash a portion of the beans before serving.