When the weather turns chilly and you crave something cozy, my hearty white bean and ham hock soup is the answer. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl! The combination of tender white beans and smoky ham hocks creates a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible. I remember the first time I made this soup; the aroma filled my kitchen, and I couldn’t wait to dig in. It’s the perfect comfort food for those lazy Sundays or when you just need a little extra warmth. Plus, it’s packed with protein and fiber, making it a nutritious choice for the whole family. Trust me, you’re going to want to cozy up with a big bowl of this deliciousness!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound dried white beans, rinsed and sorted
- 2 ham hocks, for that smoky flavor
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth, or vegetable broth for a lighter touch
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf, for extra depth
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare White Bean and Ham Hock Soup
Making this white bean and ham hock soup is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a hearty bowl in no time. Don’t forget to soak your beans overnight; it makes a world of difference in texture and cooking time. Now, let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, soak the dried white beans overnight in a large bowl of water. This helps them soften and speeds up the cooking process.
- When you’re ready to cook, drain and rinse the beans. Set them aside for now.
- In a large pot over medium heat, sauté the diced onion, carrots, and celery in a splash of olive oil until they become soft—about 5 to 7 minutes. The smell will be amazing!
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Careful not to burn it; we want it fragrant, not bitter!
- Now, toss the soaked beans into the pot along with the ham hocks. Pour in the chicken broth, then add the dried thyme and bay leaf.
- Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally and enjoy the cozy aromas filling your kitchen.
- After simmering, carefully remove the ham hocks. Let them cool slightly, then shred the meat and return it to the pot. Discard any bones and skin.
- Finally, season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir and serve hot. You can garnish with fresh herbs if you like, but it’s delicious just as it is!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a hearty, filling soup that warms you up from the inside out.
- Packed with protein and fiber from the white beans and ham, it’s a nutritious choice for any meal.
- Made with simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find in your pantry.
- Perfect for meal prep; it tastes even better the next day!
- This soup is incredibly versatile—feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or spices.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
Tips for Success
Here are some of my top tips to ensure your white bean and ham hock soup turns out perfectly every time!
- Soaking the Beans: Don’t skip the overnight soak! It not only softens the beans but also reduces cooking time. If you’re in a pinch, you can do a quick soak by boiling the beans for 2 minutes, then letting them sit in hot water for an hour.
- Adjusting Seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving! You might want to add a little more salt or pepper, depending on your taste. Sometimes a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten up the flavors too!
- Storing Leftovers: This soup stores beautifully! Just keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.
- Freezing: If you want to save some for later, this soup freezes well! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and enjoy it up to 3 months later. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Customization: Feel free to add in your favorite veggies like spinach or kale during the last 10 minutes of cooking for extra nutrition and color. It’s your soup, so make it your own!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for one serving of my white bean and ham hock soup. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
FAQ Section
Can I use canned beans?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, using canned beans is a great shortcut. Just make sure to drain and rinse them well to remove excess sodium. You can skip the soaking step and reduce the cooking time to about 30 minutes since the beans are already cooked. Just add them in when you would normally add the soaked beans!
How can I make this soup spicier?
If you’re looking for a kick, you can definitely spice things up! Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when you sauté the veggies. If you prefer a smoky heat, a bit of chipotle in adobo sauce can add depth and spice. Just adjust the amount to your taste, and remember, you can always add more but can’t take it out!
Can I use other meats?
Sure thing! While ham hocks give that unique smoky flavor, you can use other meats like diced smoked sausage or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a different twist. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change a bit, so if you’re using something milder, consider adding extra herbs or spices to enhance the soup’s richness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your white bean and ham hock soup is super easy, and it keeps well for a few days! Just follow these simple steps to ensure you enjoy every last drop.
- Refrigerating Leftovers: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Trust me, it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld!
- Freezing for Later: If you want to stash some away for those busy nights, portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Just make sure to leave some space at the top, as the soup will expand when frozen. It’ll keep well for about 3 months.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your delicious soup again, just thaw it in the fridge overnight if frozen. To reheat, pour it into a pot and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You might want to add a splash of broth or water if it thickens up too much. If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave—just heat in a microwave-safe bowl in short intervals, stirring in between!
And there you have it! Enjoy your warm, hearty soup whenever you need a cozy meal.
For more information on the health benefits of beans, check out this Healthline article.
If you’re interested in more delicious recipes, visit our soup category for a variety of options!
For tips on how to cook beans perfectly, you can refer to this Kitchn guide.
Print
White Bean and Ham Hock Soup: 7 Cozy Comforts to Savor
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A hearty white bean and ham hock soup that warms you up.
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried white beans
- 2 ham hocks
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Soak the beans overnight in water.
- In a large pot, sauté onion, carrots, and celery until soft.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Drain and rinse the beans, then add to the pot.
- Add ham hocks, chicken broth, thyme, and bay leaf.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Remove ham hocks, shred meat, and return to the soup.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Beans can be cooked in a pressure cooker for faster results.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This soup freezes well for future meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: white bean and ham hock soup, hearty soup, comfort food
