Bean and Ham Hock Soup

Bean and ham hock soup sounds delicious! It’s such a comforting dish. If you need a recipe or tips on how to make it, just let me know!

Here’s a simple recipe for bean and ham hock soup:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound dried beans (such as navy or pinto), soaked overnight
• 1-2 ham hocks
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beans: Drain and rinse the soaked beans. Set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add Ham Hock and Broth: Place the ham hocks into the pot, then add the soaked beans, broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
5. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender and the ham hock is falling apart.
6. Shred Ham: Once cooked, remove the ham hocks. Let them cool slightly, then shred the meat and return it to the pot. Discard the bones and any excess fat.
7. Season: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed.
8. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy!

This hearty soup is perfect for a cozy meal. Let me know if you need any more tips!