Oh, let me tell you about my ultimate comfort food: white bean and ham hock soup! This hearty dish is a staple at my family gatherings, and honestly, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl. I remember my grandmother making it on chilly Sundays, filling the kitchen with that mouthwatering aroma of simmering ham and savory herbs. Every spoonful is packed with tender white beans, smoky ham, and vibrant veggies, making it not just delicious but oh-so-nourishing. It’s perfect for cozy nights in or when you want to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this soup, you’ll want to make it a regular on your dinner table!
Ingredients for White Bean and Ham Hock Soup
To make this delicious white bean and ham hock soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound dried white beans, soaked overnight
- 1 smoked ham hock
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
These simple ingredients come together to create a rich and hearty soup that’s sure to warm your soul. Make sure to soak the beans the night before; it really makes a difference in texture and cooking time! Enjoy gathering everything before you dive into the cooking process—it’s the best part!
How to Prepare White Bean and Ham Hock Soup
Now, let’s dive into the cooking process of this amazing white bean and ham hock soup! It’s really straightforward, and I promise you’ll love how easy it is to whip up such a comforting dish.
Step 1: Soak the Beans
First things first, you’ll want to soak those dried white beans overnight in water. This helps them soften and cook evenly, plus it reduces the cooking time significantly. Trust me, it’s a game changer!
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Once your beans are ready, drain and rinse them. In a large pot, toss in the soaked beans along with the smoked ham hock, chopped onion, diced carrots, diced celery, minced garlic, and chicken broth. Bring everything to a rolling boil, and then lower the heat to let it simmer. You want those flavors to meld beautifully!
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Let the soup simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours. This is where the magic happens! Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally. You’ll know it’s time to move on when the beans are tender and the ham hock is falling apart. Don’t forget to remove that ham hock before proceeding to the next step—it’s going to be shredded and returned to the pot soon!
Step 4: Shred and Season
Once the ham hock has cooled a bit, shred the meat off the bone and toss it back into the soup. Now, add in the dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir to combine all those delicious flavors!
Step 5: Final Simmer
Lastly, let the soup simmer for an additional 15 minutes. This step is key for allowing all those wonderful flavors to deepen and develop. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Tips for Success
To make the best white bean and ham hock soup, here are a few handy tips! First off, don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning to your liking—everyone’s palate is different! If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. When it comes to storage, this soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, so it’s perfect for meal prep. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. And yes, you can freeze it too! Portion it out in freezer-safe containers for easy reheating later. Just remember to thaw it overnight in the fridge before warming it up on the stove. Trust me, it tastes just as good the second time around!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. It’s important to consider that portion sizes and cooking methods can also impact the final nutritional values. Always adjust according to your preferences and needs!
FAQ About White Bean and Ham Hock Soup
Can I use canned beans instead?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use canned white beans. Just drain and rinse them before adding to the pot. Since they’re already cooked, you’ll only need to simmer the soup for about 20-30 minutes to let the flavors meld—easy peasy!
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is super simple! Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before reheating to redistribute those lovely flavors!
Can I freeze this soup?
You bet! This soup freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and store it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop. It’ll taste just as comforting as the first time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me share why this white bean and ham hock soup is a must-try! Here are a few reasons to fall in love:
- Quick and Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious soup without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners!
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein from the ham hock and fiber from the beans, this soup is not only satisfying but also nourishing. You’ll feel good about every spoonful!
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores beautifully in the fridge or freezer, making it a great option for meal prepping. Just reheat and enjoy when you’re ready for a cozy meal!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your white bean and ham hock soup, the right sides can take it to the next level! I absolutely love pairing it with a crusty loaf of rustic bread—there’s nothing like dipping warm bread into that rich, flavorful broth. A simple side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette also complements the soup beautifully, adding a fresh crunch. If you’re feeling a bit indulgent, some buttery cornbread can be the perfect sweet and savory match. Trust me, you can’t go wrong with any of these options!
White Bean and Ham Hock Soup: 5 Reasons to Love It
- Temps Total: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Faible En Gras
Description
A hearty soup made with white beans and ham hock.
Ingrédients
- 1 pound white beans
- 1 ham hock
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Soak the white beans overnight in water.
- Drain and rinse the beans.
- In a large pot, add the ham hock, beans, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and chicken broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Remove the ham hock and let it cool.
- Shred the meat from the ham hock and return it to the pot.
- Add thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Simmer for an additional 15 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezes well for later use.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 2 hours
- Catégorie: Soup
- Méthode: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 9g
- Graisses Saturées: 3g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 6g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 10g
- La protéine: 15g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 30mg
Mots-clés: white bean and ham hock soup
