White Bean and Ham Hock Soup

Description:

This White Bean and Ham Hock Soup is a hearty, comforting classic, filled with tender beans, smoky ham hocks, and aromatic vegetables. Slow-cooked to perfection, it’s the ideal meal for chilly days or when you’re craving a bowl of pure comfort.

Origin:

A staple of Southern and rural American cooking, this soup makes use of simple ingredients like beans and ham hocks, combining them into a flavorful dish rooted in tradition and frugality.

Ingredients:

For the Soup:

• 1 lb (450g) dried white beans (e.g., navy, Great Northern, or cannellini), soaked overnight
• 2 smoked ham hocks (or 1 large meaty ham bone)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups (1.5 liters) chicken broth (or water)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Garnish:

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Crusty bread for serving

Instructions:

Prepare the Beans:

1. Rinse the soaked beans and drain them. Set aside.

Cook the Soup:

2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the ham hocks, beans, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, chicken broth, bay leaves, and thyme.
3. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 2-3 hours, or until the beans are tender and the ham hocks are falling apart.

Remove and Shred the Ham:

4. Once the ham hocks are tender, remove them from the soup. Shred the meat, discarding the bones and any excess fat. Return the shredded meat to the pot.

Season and Serve:

5. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
6. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve with crusty bread.

Tips for Success:

• For a creamier texture, mash some of the beans with a spoon or blend a portion of the soup.
• If you don’t have ham hocks, substitute with smoked sausage or diced ham.
• To reduce sodium, opt for low-sodium chicken broth.

Recommendations:

• This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
• Serve with a green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Nutrition (per serving, approximate for 6 servings):

• Calories: ~320
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 12g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 720mg

White Bean and Ham Hock Soup is a simple yet flavorful dish that warms the soul. Perfect for sharing with family and friends! ✨