Hearty Ham Hock and Bean Soup

Introduction:

Indulge in the heartwarming flavors of our Hearty Ham Hock and Bean Soup, a soul-soothing dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings and comforting meals. This recipe combines tender navy beans, savory ham hocks, and aromatic vegetables in a rich broth infused with herbs and spices. With every spoonful, you’ll savor the comforting essence of homemade goodness and the satisfying warmth of a nourishing meal.

Ingredients:

  • 450 grams of dried navy beans
  • 4.5 liters of water, at room temperature
  • Salt, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, roughly chopped
  • 2 small carrots, roughly chopped
  • 2 celery ribs, roughly chopped
  • 2 medium garlic cloves, roughly chopped
  • Fresh thyme, 2 sprigs
  • Finely chopped parsley
  • One bay leaf
  • 2 large smoked ham hocks
  • Freshly cracked black pepper

Preparation:

  1. Prepare Beans: In a 4-quart saucier, combine the navy beans and 3 liters of water. Season with salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then remove from heat, cover, and let sit for one hour. Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until vegetables are softened.
  3. Add Aromatics: Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for about 60 seconds until fragrant. Transfer the cooked vegetables to a heatproof bowl and set aside.
  4. Prepare Broth: In the same Dutch oven, combine the remaining water with thyme, chopped parsley, bay leaf, and smoked ham hocks. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about an hour until ham hocks are tender.
  5. Cook Beans: Add the soaked and drained beans to the Dutch oven. Stir and bring back to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 2 hours until beans are soft and meat is falling off the bones.
  6. Prepare Ham Hocks: Remove thyme and bay leaf from the soup. Transfer 2 1/2 cups of beans to a heatproof bowl using a slotted spoon. Set aside. Once ham hocks are cool enough to handle, chop the meat roughly, discarding skin, bones, and fat. Set aside.
  7. Blend Soup: Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth.
  8. Combine Ingredients: Return the reserved beans, chopped ham hock meat, and sautéed vegetables to the pot. Stir to combine.
  9. Simmer: Bring the soup back to a gentle simmer and cook for about 20 minutes until vegetables are soft and ham is heated through.
  10. Season to Taste: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.

Tips for Perfect Ham Hock and Bean Soup:

  1. Soaking Beans: To reduce cooking time and improve digestibility, soak the navy beans in water overnight before cooking. Alternatively, you can use the quick-soak method by boiling the beans for a few minutes and then letting them soak for an hour.
  2. Choosing Ham Hocks: Select meaty and smoked ham hocks for the best flavor. The smoked hocks add depth and richness to the soup, infusing it with savory goodness.
  3. Layering Flavors: Sautéing the vegetables before adding them to the soup enhances their natural sweetness and contributes to the overall depth of flavor. Take your time to caramelize them slightly for added richness.
  4. Blending Soup: Using an immersion blender to partially blend the soup creates a creamy texture while still retaining some whole beans for texture. If you prefer a smoother consistency, blend the soup until completely smooth.
  5. Adjusting Seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add salt and pepper gradually, tasting after each addition until the flavors are balanced to your liking.
  6. Garnishing: Garnish each bowl of soup with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil for a burst of freshness and color.
  7. Storage: This soup improves in flavor over time, making it an excellent option for meal prep. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for longer storage.
  8. Reheating: When reheating the soup, gently warm it on the stove over low heat to prevent the beans from becoming mushy. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to adjust the consistency.
  9. Customization: Feel free to customize the soup to suit your taste preferences. Add additional vegetables such as diced tomatoes, spinach, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
  10. Enjoying Leftovers: Use leftover soup as a base for other dishes, such as casseroles or pasta sauces. You can also enjoy it as a hearty lunch or dinner served with crusty bread or a side salad.

Conclusion:

Enjoy the comforting embrace of our Hearty Ham Hock and Bean Soup, a nourishing dish that warms the body and soul. With its robust flavors and tender beans, this soup is a true testament to the joys of homemade cooking. Serve it piping hot, garnished with freshly cracked black pepper and a sprinkle of chopped parsley, for a comforting meal that will leave you feeling satisfied and content.