Are you craving a delicious and filling meal that will warm you up on a chilly day? Look no further! Our Bean and Ham Hock Soup is exactly what you need. Made with nutritious navy beans and flavorful ham hock, this soup will surely satisfy your taste buds. And the best part? It’s super easy to make!
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried navy beans
- 1 ham hock (or ham bone)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Beans
Start by rinsing the dried navy beans in cold water and removing any debris or stones. Place the beans in a large bowl, cover them with water, and let them soak overnight. Drain and rinse the soaked beans before using.
Sauté Vegetables
In a large soup pot, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add Ham Hock and Beans
Place the ham hock in the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the drained navy beans.
Pour in Broth and Seasonings
Add the chicken or vegetable broth, bay leaf, and dried thyme to the pot. Stir everything together. You can season with salt and pepper at this point, but go easy on the salt since the ham hock will already add saltiness.
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the beans are tender and the meat on the ham hock is falling off the bone. Make sure to stir occasionally.
Remove Ham Hock
Carefully take out the ham hock from the pot and allow it to cool slightly. Once it’s cool enough to handle, shred the meat and discard any bone, fat, or skin. Then, return the shredded ham to the pot.
Adjust Seasonings
Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Add more salt and pepper if needed. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf.
Serve
Ladle the Bean and Ham Hock Soup into bowls. Feel free to garnish with chopped fresh parsley for an extra touch. Serve the soup hot with some crusty bread on the side.
This soup is the perfect combination of rich, hearty flavors and comforting warmth. It’s a delicious meal that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished. So why wait? Put on your apron and start cooking! Enjoy every delightful spoonful of this hearty Bean and Ham Hock Soup.
