Hearty Bean Soup with Ham Hock – Comforting & Budget-Friendly Recipe -

Table of Contents

Introduction

Nothing warms you up on a chilly day quite like a bowl of homemade Bean Soup with Ham Hock. This classic comfort dish is rich, hearty, and incredibly inexpensive to make. With tender navy beans, flavorful ham, and aromatic vegetables, this soup simmers slowly to create deep, delicious flavor. Serve it with crusty bread for the perfect winter meal.

Ingredients

1 pound dried navy beans
1 ham hock (or ham bone)
1 large onion, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beans

Rinse the navy beans thoroughly and remove any debris. Place them in a large bowl, cover with water, and soak overnight. Drain and rinse before cooking.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

Heat a bit of oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for 1 more minute.

3. Add Ham Hock and Beans

Place the ham hock into the pot, then add the drained navy beans.

4. Add Broth and Seasonings

Pour in the broth. Add the bay leaf and dried thyme. Season lightly with salt and pepper—remember, the ham adds saltiness.

5. Simmer the Soup

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 2–2.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and the ham meat is falling off the bone.

6. Remove and Shred the Ham

Take the ham hock out of the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred the meat and discard bone, fat, and skin. Return the shredded ham to the soup.

7. Adjust Seasonings

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove the bay leaf.

8. Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Conclusion

This classic Bean Soup with Ham Hock is nutritious, comforting, and full of slow-simmered flavor. It’s the perfect cozy dish for cold weather and an excellent way to stretch simple ingredients into a satisfying meal. Store leftovers for easy lunches throughout the week!

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