Bean and Ham Hock Soup
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours
Introduction
If you want to feel warmth and comfort in every spoonful, then Bean and Ham Hock Soup is the dish for you. A savory soup, packed with ingredients full of wholesome flavor, it’s ideal for family meals or cozy nights in.
Why Make This Recipe
What makes this recipe a go-to choice is its hearty feel and the satisfying taste. It not only kindles warm and homely feelings but is also a healthy choice with wholesome beans, vegetable broth, and olive oil as its main ingredients.
How to Make Bean and Ham Hock Soup
Ingredients :
– 1 smoked ham hock
– 2 cups dried white beans (such as cannellini or navy beans), soaked overnight
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 carrots, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions:
1. First, drain and rinse the soaked beans. Heat olive oil in a large pot, add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. Stir until they soften (about 5 minutes), and then add garlic for another minute.
2. Next, add the ham hock, beans, broth, bay leaf, and thyme to the pot. Bring the soup to boil. Then reduce the heat to simmer, cover the pot, and continue to cook for about two hours or until beans soften and blend in the flavors.
3. Remove the ham hock from the pot, discard the bay leaf, and shred the meat from the bone. Return the shredded ham to the soup, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Finally, ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley (if desired), serve hot and enjoy the delectable warmth of this delicious soup!
How to Serve Bean and Ham Hock Soup
Serving the Bean and Ham Hock Soup hot is the best way to enjoy its rich flavors. You can adorn the dish with some fresh, chopped parsley for additional aroma.
How to Store Bean and Ham Hock Soup
Storing the Bean and Ham Hock Soup is easy. Simply refrigerate it in a sealed container for up to three days. For enjoying it later, freeze the soup for up to six months.
Tips to Make Bean and Ham Hock Soup
The key to making a mouth-watering Bean and Ham Hock Soup is choosing a high-quality smoked ham hock. This greatly enriches the flavor of the soup. Also, ensure you soaked the beans overnight for the best texture.
Variation
For a vegetarian variation, you could replace the ham hock with smoked tofu and use vegetable broth.
FAQs
– Can I skip the overnight soaking of beans?
– Yes, you can use canned beans in place of dried beans if you prefer, though it might alter the texture a bit.
– Can I use other types of beans for this soup?
– Yes! You can try using different beans like red kidney beans or black-eyed beans for this recipe.
– How to intensify the flavor of my Bean and Ham Hock Soup?
– Using a good quality smoked ham hock and fresh broth can prominently uplift the flavor of your soup. You could also consider adding some herbs or spices of your choice.