Title: Simple and Heartwarming Bean and Ham Hock Soup
Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes.
-Preparation time: 15 minutes
-Cooking time: 2 hours
## Introduction
There’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of warm soup, and our Bean and Ham Hock Soup dances right on the tune. Intensely flavorful and deeply satisfying, this soup combines beans, ham hock, and a variety of wholesome veggies to create a hearty meal that’s perfect for cozy evenings at home.
## Why Make this Recipe
Bean and Ham Hock Soup is cherished for several reasons. It is versatile, economical, and packed with proteins from the beans and ham hock. Whether you’re feeding a house party or a small family supper, this soup promises to impress, leaving everyone feeling comforted and satisfied.
## How to Make Bean and Ham Hock Soup
Find yourself navigating effortlessly with our to-the-point directions.
## Ingredients
– 450g dried beans (like navy or cannellini)
– 1 smoked ham hock
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 carrots, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 3 minced garlic cloves
– 6 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 Bay leaf
– 1 tsp thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnishing
## Directions
1. After rinsing and sorting the beans, soak them overnight.
2. In a large pot, put together beans, ham hock, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, broth, bay leaf, and thyme.
3. Allow this to boil, before reducing the heat to simmer and cook for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
4. Pull out the ham hock, shred the meat, and return it to the pot. Ensure you discard any skin or bones.
5. Finally, season the soup with pepper and salt, take out the bay leaf, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
## How to Serve Bean and Ham Hock Soup
Serve the soup hot, enjoying it with crusty bread to round off the meal beautifully.
## How to Store Bean and Ham Hock Soup
Store the leftover soup in an air-tight container and keep it in the fridge for 2-3 days.
## Tips to Make Bean and Ham Hock Soup
– Be sure to strain your beans after soaking them overnight.
– If the soup starts to get too thick, simply add a cup (or more) of water or broth.
## Variation
For a little more kick, add a teaspoon of paprika to your soup.
## FAQs
1. **Can I use any other meat besides ham hock?**
Yes, you can use turkey or chicken if you prefer, but it may slightly alter the flavor.
2. **What types of beans work best with this recipe?**
Navy or Cannellini beans are preferred, but you can use any type of beans you like.
3. **I don’t have fresh parsley, can I use dried?**
Yes, dried parsley works just as good, just use it sparingly as it’s much more concentrated.