ham hock bean soup recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best ham hock bean soup recipe

I’ve been making ham hock bean soup for years, and it’s a staple in our household. This hearty soup is a perfect comfort food for a chilly evening or a special occasion. My family loves it because it’s so easy to make and always hits the spot.

The best part is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can serve it with some crusty bread, over rice, or even as a side dish at a family gathering. I love how the smoky flavor of the ham hock pairs with the tender beans and vegetables. It’s a match made in heaven!

One of the things I appreciate about this recipe is that it’s ridiculously easy to make. Just throw all the ingredients in a pot and let it simmer away. You can’t get much simpler than that.

Plus, you can customize it to your taste by adding your favorite spices or herbs. My kids are always asking for seconds (and sometimes thirds!) , which tells me that this recipe has won their hearts as well.

As we all know, cooking from scratch can be therapeutic and fun. This recipe is no exception – I enjoy making it almost as much as I enjoy eating it! There’s something about watching the flavors meld together that feels so satisfying to me.

Ham Hock Bean Soup

4.6 from 1742 votes

A hearty and comforting soup featuring tender beans and flavorful ham hock. Perfect for a cold day, this soup is packed with protein and fiber.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time2.5 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2 hours 50 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

1 lb dried navy beans
1 ham hock (about 1.5 lbs)
1 large onion, chopped
3 carrots, chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
6 cups water
2 tbsp olive oil

Optional Garnishes

chopped fresh parsley
shredded cheese
sour cream

👨‍🍳Directions

1Rinse the dried beans and pick out any debris or stones.
2Place the beans in a large pot and cover with water.
3Bring to a boil over high heat.
4Boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let the beans soak for 1 hour.
5This helps to reduce the cooking time and makes the beans more digestible.
6Drain the beans and set aside.
7In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
8Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery.
9Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
10Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
11Add the drained beans, ham hock, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
12Pour in the water and stir to combine.
13Bring the soup to a boil over high heat.
14Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently.
15Cook for 2 to 2.
5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and the ham hock is falling apart.
16This is a good visual sign of doneness.
17Remove the ham hock from the pot and shred the meat using two forks.
18Return the shredded meat to the pot and stir to combine.
19Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
20If the soup is too thick, add more water to reach your desired consistency.
21If the soup is too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a few minutes to reduce the liquid.

🔧Equipment

Large pot with lid
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 40mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 10g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: You can use a pressure cooker to reduce the cooking time. For a spicier soup, add a diced jalapeño pepper with the vegetables.

This ham hock bean soup recipe is one of our favorites because it’s easy to make and always fills us up.

Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or just need something comforting on a cold day, this recipe delivers.

We love how versatile it is – serve it with some crusty bread or over rice for an easy meal.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Ham Hock Bean Soup

Q: What is ham hock bean soup?

Ham hock bean soup is a type of stew made with pork hocks, beans, and vegetables.

Q: What kind of beans should I use?

You can use either dried or canned beans for this recipe. If using dried beans, be sure to soak them overnight before cooking.

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

Yes, you can definitely make this recipe in a slow cooker! Simply brown the ham hocks and cook the vegetables in a pan before transferring everything to the slow cooker.

Q: How long does this soup keep in the fridge?

This soup will keep for up to 3 days in the fridge, but be sure to store it in an airtight container.

Q: Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Be sure to label and date the container before freezing.

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