White Bean and Ham Hock Soup Recipe
Introduction: White Bean and Ham Hock Soup is a hearty, comforting dish packed with protein, fiber, and savory flavors. Perfect for cold nights or a simple, filling meal, this soup combines the smoky flavor of ham hocks with creamy white beans for an irresistible taste. This classic comfort food is ideal for meal prepping, and it can be easily made in large batches.
Main Keywords: white bean soup, ham hock, hearty soup, comfort food
Supporting Keywords: high-protein soup, easy soup recipes, homemade soup
Ingredients:
- 1 pound dried white beans (Great Northern, Cannellini, or Navy beans)
- 1 ham hock (about 1 lb)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beans
Rinse the dried white beans under cold water. Soak them overnight in a large bowl of water. This helps soften the beans and speeds up the cooking process. If you’re short on time, you can use the quick soak method: boil the beans for 2 minutes, then remove them from heat and let them soak for an hour.
2. Cook the Ham Hock
In a large stockpot, add the ham hock, diced onion, garlic, carrots, celery, bay leaves, and thyme. Pour in the chicken broth, and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 1-1.5 hours. The ham hock will become tender and release its smoky flavor into the broth.
3. Add the Beans
After the ham hock has simmered, drain and add the soaked beans to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 1-2 hours until the beans are fully cooked and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Adjust Seasoning
Once the soup is done, remove the ham hock from the pot. Shred the meat off the bone and discard the fat and bones. Return the shredded meat to the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
5. Serve
Serve the soup hot with a side of crusty bread or crackers. This soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together.
Pro Tips:
- Bone-in Ham Hock: Ham hocks add rich, smoky depth to this soup. If you prefer more meat, you can add additional ham chunks.
- Canned Beans: In a pinch, you can use canned white beans instead of dried. Just drain and rinse them before adding to the soup. Reduce cooking time accordingly.
- Freezer Friendly: This soup freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sodium: 500mg
Conclusion:
White Bean and Ham Hock Soup is a wonderful go-to recipe for both experienced and beginner cooks. Whether you’re looking for a filling meal or a freezer-friendly option, this soup delivers on flavor, nutrition, and comfort. The combination of white beans and ham hock creates a rich, savory broth that’s sure to become a family favorite.