Hearty Bean Soup with Ham Hock
Bean and ham hock soup sounds absolutely mouthwatering—it’s the ultimate comfort food. If you’d like a recipe or need some pointers on how to prepare it, feel free to ask!
Below is an easy recipe for bean and ham hock soup:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound dried beans (like navy or pinto), soaked overnight
- 1-2 ham hocks
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Beans: Drain and rinse the soaked beans, then set them aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ham Hock and Broth: Place the ham hocks in the pot, then add the soaked beans, broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender and the ham hocks are falling apart.
- Shred the Ham: Remove the ham hocks from the pot. After they cool slightly, shred the meat and return it to the soup. Discard the bones and any excess fat.
- Season: Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy!
This hearty dish is perfect for a cozy meal. Let me know if you need any further tips!
