bean soup with ham hocks recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best bean soup with ham hocks recipe

This bean soup with ham hocks recipe is a staple in our household, and I’m so excited to share it with you. It’s a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for a chilly evening or a special occasion.

The rich flavors of the ham hocks and beans are simply divine, and the best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make. I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it never fails to impress my family and friends.

My kids love it because it’s a great way to get them to eat their veggies, and I love it because it’s a delicious way to use up leftover ham hocks. This recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking for a satisfying and comforting meal that’s easy on the wallet and easy to prepare.

Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this bean soup with ham hocks is sure to become a favorite in your household. I’ve even served it at potlucks and parties, and it’s always been a hit.

The smoky flavor of the ham hocks pairs perfectly with the creamy texture of the beans, making this soup a true delight for the senses.

Classic Bean Soup with Ham Hocks

4.7 from 1437 votes

A hearty and comforting bean soup made with tender ham hocks, perfect for a cold day. This recipe combines dried beans, ham hocks, and aromatic vegetables for a rich and flavorful soup.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time60 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

1 lb dried navy beans
2 ham hocks
1 large onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
6 cups water

👨‍🍳Directions

1Rinse the dried beans and pick out any debris or small stones.
2Place the beans in a large pot and cover with water.
3Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10 minutes.
4Drain and set aside.
5In the same pot, place the ham hocks and cover with 6 cups of water.
6Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes, skimming off any foam that rises to the top.
7Add the drained beans, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper.
8Stir well to combine.
9Cover the pot and continue to simmer over medium-low heat for 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally.
10The beans should be tender and the ham hocks should be falling apart.
11Remove the ham hocks from the pot and shred the meat using two forks.
12Return the shredded meat to the pot and discard the bones and skin.
13Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
14Serve the soup hot with crusty bread or dinner rolls.
15The soup should have a thick, creamy texture with tender beans and flavorful ham hocks.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 10g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 35mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 40g🥦Dietary Fiber: 10g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute dried great northern or cannellini beans for the navy beans. For a spicier soup, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño pepper.

Watch Video Of How Classic Bean Soup with Ham Hocks Works

This bean soup with ham hocks is truly a versatile dish that can be enjoyed at any time of year. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make and reheats beautifully for leftovers.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it freezes – just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat on low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Bean Soup with Ham Hocks

Q: What type of beans should I use in this recipe?

For this recipe, I recommend using dried navy beans or Great Northern beans. They hold their texture well after long cooking times and have a mild flavor that pairs perfectly with the ham hocks.

Q: Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?

While you can use canned beans as a substitute, keep in mind that they’ll have a softer texture and may affect the overall flavor of the soup. If you do choose to use canned beans, be sure to rinse them thoroughly before adding them to the pot.

Q: How long does it take to cook the ham hocks?

The cooking time for the ham hocks will depend on their size and thickness. Generally, you can expect them to cook for about 30 minutes to an hour on low heat. Just be sure to check on them periodically to avoid overcooking.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! This recipe is perfect for slow cooking. Simply brown the onions and garlic in a pan before adding them to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Let it cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Q: What if I don’t have any leftover ham hocks?

No worries! You can easily purchase pre-cooked ham hocks from your local butcher or grocery store. Alternatively, you can also use smoked pork neck bones as a substitute.

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