🫘 𝐁𝐄𝐀𝐍 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐇𝐀𝐌 𝐇𝐎𝐂𝐊 𝐒𝐎𝐔𝐏

📝 Description

Bean and Ham Hock Soup is a rich, hearty, slow-simmered comfort dish made with tender beans, smoky ham hock, and aromatic vegetables. This classic soup is deeply flavorful, nourishing, and filling, perfect for cold days, family meals, or meal prepping. The ham hock gives a smoky, meaty depth, while the beans create a thick, creamy texture.

🛒 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 large smoked ham hock (about 700–900g / 1½–2 lb)
2 cups dried white beans (navy, cannellini, or great northern), soaked overnight
1 large onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 bay leaves
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
Salt to taste
8 cups water or low-sodium chicken stock

Optional Add-ins

1 potato, diced
½ tsp chili flakes
Fresh parsley for garnish

👨‍🍳 Instructions

Soak Beans:
Soak dried beans overnight in plenty of water. Drain and rinse before cooking.
Prepare Base:
In a large pot, add ham hock, soaked beans, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, paprika, pepper, and water/stock.
Simmer:
Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer gently for 2½–3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Shred Ham:
Remove ham hock, let cool slightly, shred meat, and discard bones and skin.
Finish Soup:
Return shredded meat to the pot. Simmer 15–20 more minutes. Adjust salt.
Serve:
Remove bay leaves. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

⏱ Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes (+ soaking)
Cooking Time: 3 hours
Total Time: ~3 hrs 15 min

🍽 Servings

Serves: 6–8 people

💡 Tips for Best Results

Soak beans overnight for faster cooking and better digestion.
For thicker soup, mash some beans before serving.
Add salt only near the end to avoid tough beans.
For extra smokiness, add a pinch of smoked paprika.
Tastes even better the next day!

🥣 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx.)

Calories: 320 kcal
Protein: 24 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 9 g
Fat: 12 g
Iron: 20% DV
Potassium: 18% DV

🌿 Health Benefits

High Protein: Supports muscle growth and repair
Rich in Fiber: Improves digestion and gut health
Heart Healthy: Beans help lower cholesterol
Immune Boosting: Packed with minerals and antioxidants
Highly Filling: Keeps you full for longer

❓ Q & A

Q1: Can I use canned beans instead of dried?

Yes, use 3 cans (drained & rinsed). Reduce cooking time to 1–1½ hours.

Q2: Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. Cook on LOW for 8–9 hours or HIGH for 5–6 hours.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?

Refrigerate in airtight container for 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.

Q4: Can I make it healthier?

Yes — use lean ham hock, reduce salt, and add more vegetables.

Q5: Can I make it without ham hock?

Yes — substitute with smoked turkey leg or vegetable broth + smoked paprika.

🍞 Serving Suggestions

Crusty bread
Garlic toast
Cornbread
Fresh green salad

Bean And Ham Hock Soup