Here’s a warm, comforting, and flavor-packed recipe for Hearty Navy Bean and Ham Hock Soup — a classic dish that’s perfect for chilly days or using up leftover ham. It’s savory, smoky, and satisfying!
🍲 Hearty Navy Bean and Ham Hock Soup
Ingredients:
-
1 lb (about 2 cups) dried navy beans, rinsed
-
1 large ham hock (or 2 smaller ones)
-
1 medium onion, diced
-
2–3 carrots, peeled and chopped
-
2 celery stalks, chopped
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 bay leaf
-
1 tsp dried thyme (or a few sprigs fresh)
-
6–8 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
-
Salt & black pepper to taste
-
Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Soak the Beans (Quick or Overnight):
Overnight Method:
-
Cover dried navy beans with water and let soak 8–12 hours. Drain and rinse.
Quick Soak Method:
-
Cover beans with water, bring to a boil for 2 minutes, then turn off heat and let sit for 1 hour. Drain and rinse.
2. Start the Soup:
-
In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, heat a bit of oil over medium heat.
-
Sauté onion, carrot, and celery until softened (about 5–6 minutes).
-
Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
3. Simmer the Soup:
-
Add ham hock, soaked beans, bay leaf, thyme, and 6–8 cups water or broth.
-
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
-
Cover and cook for 2 to 2½ hours, or until beans are tender and ham is falling off the bone. Stir occasionally and add water if it gets too thick.
4. Finish the Soup:
-
Remove ham hock and shred any meat off the bone. Discard bone and fatty skin.
-
Return shredded ham to the pot.
-
Season with salt and pepper (taste before adding salt — ham is salty!).
-
Simmer uncovered another 10–15 minutes to thicken, if desired.
Serve Hot With:
-
Cornbread
-
Crusty bread
-
A drizzle of olive oil or vinegar for extra depth
Tips & Variations:
-
Thicker soup? Mash some of the beans or blend a cup and return to the pot.
-
No ham hock? Use diced smoked ham or a ham bone.
-
Want a smoky flavor boost? Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke.
-
Slow cooker version: Cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours.