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–+ servings

Hearty Ham Hock Soup

Discover the rich, smoky flavor of Hearty Ham Hock Soup, a comforting blend of tender beans, vegetables, and smoked ham hocks. Perfect for cold days and family dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound dried white beans such as navy, cannellini, or great northern beans
  • 2 smoked ham hocks
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 2 carrots peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth or water
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika optional, for extra smokiness
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice optional, for a hint of acidity

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Rinse the dried beans thoroughly under cold water, soak them overnight or use the quick-soak method.
  2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
  3. Place the smoked ham hocks into the pot, followed by the soaked beans, bay leaf, thyme, parsley, and smoked paprika if using. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil.
  4. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2-3 hours or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally, adding more broth or water if needed.
  5. Once the beans are tender, remove the ham hocks, discard the bones and excess fat, shred the meat, and return it to the soup. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 12gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 15mg

Notes

This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. For best flavor, let the soup sit for a few hours after cooking. You can experiment with seasonings; a pinch of sugar can help round out flavors. For a vegetarian version, skip the ham hocks and use liquid smoke or smoked paprika for flavor. The soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple salad.
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