Bean and Ham Hock Soup Recipe
Bean and Ham Hock Soup is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days or when you crave something warm and filling. This recipe is packed with flavor, combining tender beans, smoky ham hocks, and aromatic vegetables for a delicious meal. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this soup is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients:
For the Soup:
- 1 pound dried beans (such as navy, pinto, or great northern)
- 2 smoked ham hocks (about 1-1.5 pounds)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a bit of heat)
For Serving:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Crusty bread or cornbread
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beans:
- Begin by sorting through the dried beans, removing any debris or damaged beans. Rinse the beans thoroughly under cold water.
- There are two methods for soaking beans: the overnight soak or the quick soak.
- Overnight Soak: Place the beans in a large bowl and cover them with water. Allow them to soak overnight (8-12 hours). Drain and rinse before using.
- Quick Soak: Place the beans in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 1 hour. Drain and rinse before using.
2. SautΓ© the Vegetables:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Add the Ham Hocks and Spices:
- Push the vegetables to the sides of the pot and add the ham hocks. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side to allow the ham hocks to brown slightly.
- Sprinkle in the thyme, smoked paprika, black pepper, and bay leaf. If you’re using red pepper flakes, add them now as well.
4. Cook the Soup:
- Pour in the chicken broth and water, then add the soaked beans to the pot. Stir to combine everything, making sure the ham hocks are submerged in the liquid.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer gently for 2-3 hours, or until the beans are tender and the ham hocks are falling apart. Stir the soup occasionally and check the liquid level, adding more water or broth if necessary.
5. Shred the Ham:
- Once the soup has cooked and the beans are tender, carefully remove the ham hocks from the pot. Let them cool slightly before handling.
- Use a fork or your fingers to shred the meat from the bones, discarding any fat, skin, or bones. Return the shredded ham to the pot and stir it into the soup.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or cornbread on the side to soak up the flavorful broth.
7. Storing and Reheating:
- This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious as leftovers.
- To freeze, let the soup cool completely and transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.
Tips for Success:
- Ham Hocks: Smoked ham hocks add a rich, smoky flavor to the soup. If you canβt find them, smoked turkey legs or a ham bone with some meat on it can be used as substitutes.
- Beans: Using a variety of beans can add different textures and flavors to the soup. If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot with a spoon before serving.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, leeks, or kale to customize the soup to your taste.
Enjoy your homemade Bean and Ham Hock Soupβcomfort in a bowl!