Here’s a hearty, flavorful White Bean and Ham Hock Soup recipe — smoky, comforting, and perfect for cooler days or when you want a wholesome one-pot meal.
🍲 White Bean and Ham Hock Soup
Ingredients:
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1 lb (450g) dried white beans (navy, Great Northern, or cannellini)
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1–2 smoked ham hocks (or substitute with smoked turkey leg)
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1 tbsp olive oil or butter
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1 large onion, chopped
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2–3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 carrots, diced
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2 celery stalks, diced
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1 bay leaf
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1 tsp dried thyme (or 2–3 sprigs fresh)
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1/2 tsp black pepper (add salt later, after tasting)
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8 cups (2 liters) water or low-sodium chicken broth
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Salt, to taste (after cooking – ham hocks are salty)
🔪 Instructions:
1. Soak the Beans (optional but recommended):
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Rinse beans and soak overnight in plenty of water.
→ Quick soak: Boil beans for 2 minutes, then turn off heat and let soak 1 hour. Drain before using.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
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In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
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Add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
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Stir in garlic, thyme, and pepper; cook 1 more minute.
3. Add Beans & Ham Hocks:
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Add soaked beans, ham hocks, bay leaf, and broth (or water).
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Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
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Cover and cook for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until beans are tender and ham is falling off the bone.
4. Shred Ham, Adjust Soup:
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Remove ham hocks. Let cool slightly, then shred meat off the bone. Discard bones and skin.
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Return shredded ham to soup. Stir well.
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If too thick, add a bit of water or broth. If too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce.
5. Season to Taste:
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Taste before adding salt — ham hocks are salty! Adjust seasoning as needed.
🥖 Serving Suggestions:
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Serve hot with crusty bread, cornbread, or a simple green salad
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Drizzle with olive oil or a splash of hot sauce if desired
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Freezes beautifully — great for meal prep
📝 Optional Add-Ins:
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A handful of chopped greens (kale, spinach, or Swiss chard) in the last 10 mins
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A dash of smoked paprika for deeper smokiness
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Stir in a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice before serving to brighten the flavors