Hearty Bean and Ham Hock Soup

1. Prepare the Beans:

If you’re using dried beans, start by sorting through them to remove any debris or damaged beans. Then, rinse the beans thoroughly under cold water. For a quicker cooking process, you can soak the beans in water overnight. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip the soaking step and cook them directly (just note that they’ll take longer to cook).

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

3. Add the Broth and Ham Hock:

Once the vegetables are sautéed, add the rinsed beans to the pot, followed by the chicken broth, bay leaves, dried thyme, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Stir everything together, then add the ham hock to the pot. You want the hock to be fully submerged in the broth.

4. Simmer the Soup:

Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender and the ham hock has released its flavor into the broth. If you didn’t soak the beans beforehand, it may take a bit longer for them to cook through, so just keep an eye on the soup and check the beans for doneness.

5. Shred the Ham:

Once the ham hock is tender and the beans are cooked through, carefully remove the ham hock from the soup and let it cool slightly. Remove the meat from the bone, shred it into small pieces, and return the shredded ham back into the pot. Discard the bone and any excess fat.

6. Season and Adjust:

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add salt to taste and a splash of apple cider vinegar if you’d like a bit of acidity to brighten up the flavors. Stir everything together and let the soup simmer for another 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

7. Serve:

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or additional thyme if desired. Serve with crusty bread or cornbread for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Hearty Bean and Ham Hock Soup:

• Soaking the beans: While soaking the beans overnight is optional, it can help reduce the cooking time and make the beans easier to digest. If you’re using the quick soak method, simply bring the beans and water to a boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let them sit, covered, for 1 hour before draining and adding to the soup.
• Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, spinach, or kale for extra nutrition and flavor. Kale, in particular, works wonderfully in this soup as it adds texture and a slight bitterness that balances the rich, savory ham flavor.
• Make it spicier: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños along with the garlic and onions.
• Use ham bone leftovers: If you’ve recently cooked a ham and have a leftover ham bone, this soup is the perfect way to use it. Just substitute the ham hock with the bone and follow the rest of the recipe as directed.
• Slow Cooker Version: You can also make this soup in a slow cooker. Simply combine all the ingredients (except the apple cider vinegar), set the slow cooker to low, and cook for 7-8 hours, or until the beans are tender. Once cooked, shred the ham and stir in the vinegar before serving.

Why This Soup is a Keeper:

This Hearty Bean and Ham Hock Soup is not only incredibly delicious, but it’s also the perfect meal for any season. It’s especially great during the colder months when you crave something warm and nourishing. The ham hock infuses the broth with smoky, savory flavors, while the beans provide a hearty base that’s both comforting and filling.

The beauty of this soup is its versatility. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences, whether that means adding more vegetables, adjusting the seasonings, or adding extra flavor with herbs and vinegar. It’s also a great recipe to make in bulk, as it stores well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day!

Conclusion:

There’s something so satisfying about a bowl of homemade Hearty Bean and Ham Hock Soup. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings. The combination of smoky ham, tender beans, and flavorful broth makes for a meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. So, gather your ingredients, throw them into the pot, and let the slow simmering magic happen—you’ll have a hearty, wholesome soup that will fill your home with warmth and delight.