White Bean Ham Hock Soup

A hearty Southern classic, this warming soup combines tender white beans with smoky ham hock, aromatic vegetables, and savory herbs for a comforting winter meal. This dish is a perfect staple for chilly evenings and family gatherings, offering a rich and rustic flavor profile.

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This soup relies on slow-simmering to extract the savory goodness from the ham hock, resulting in a broth that is both deeply flavorful and satisfying. It is a wholesome dish that brings warmth to any dinner table.

Ingredients

• Meats: 1 large smoked ham hock (about 1–1.5 lb / 450–700 g)
• Beans: 1 lb (450 g) dried great northern or cannellini beans, soaked overnight and drained
• Vegetables: 1 large yellow onion, diced; 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Herbs & Seasonings: 2 bay leaves, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional), salt to taste
• Liquids: 8 cups (2 L) low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
• Finishing: 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1

In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, combine the soaked and drained beans, ham hock, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, black pepper, and smoked paprika.

Step 2

Pour in the chicken broth. Stir to combine.

Step 3

Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Step 4

Remove the ham hock. Let it cool slightly, then shred the meat, discarding skin and bone. Return shredded meat to the pot.

Step 5

Continue simmering uncovered for 30 minutes, until the beans are tender and the soup has thickened slightly. Add more broth or water if needed.

Step 6

Taste and season with salt as needed (the ham hock will add saltiness, so taste before adding).

Step 7

Remove bay leaves. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For a creamier texture, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot before serving. Leftovers freeze well for up to 3 months.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce during the final simmer.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this hearty soup with cornbread or crusty bread to soak up every drop of the savory broth.

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Enjoy this timeless Southern favorite, a nourishing and flavorful meal that truly celebrates the art of slow cooking.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What type of beans work best?

Great northern or cannellini beans are ideal for their creamy texture when cooked slowly.

→ How long should the ham hock simmer?

Simmer the ham hock for about 2 to 2.5 hours until the meat is tender and infuses the broth.

→ Can I make the soup creamier?

Mash some of the cooked beans against the pot’s side to thicken the soup naturally.

→ What herbs complement this dish?

Bay leaves, dried thyme, and fresh parsley provide balanced aroma and flavor notes.

→ Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, ensure chicken broth and all ingredients used are gluten-free.