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White Bean and Ham Hock Soup

  • Author: Chef Emy

Description

Here’s a comforting and hearty recipe for White Bean and Ham Hock Soup, perfect for a cozy meal. This slow-cooked soup combines the savory flavors of ham hocks with the creaminess of white beans, all balanced with a touch of sweetness from light brown sugar.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium package (16 ounces) of dried Northern beans
  • 3 to 4 meaty ham hock shanks (or a meaty ham bone)
  • 1 small white onion, diced
  • Enough water to cover the beans (about 6 to 8 cups)
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • 1/3 cup of light brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beans:

    • Start by sorting through the beans to remove any pebbles or debris. Rinse the beans thoroughly under cold water to clean them.

  2. Assemble in Crockpot:

    • In your crockpot, combine the rinsed beans, diced onion, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
    • Add the ham hocks or ham bone, cutting them into large chunks if necessary.
    • Pour enough water to cover the beans by about 2 inches, which should be around 6 to 8 cups.

  3. Cooking Process:

    • Cover the crockpot and cook on high heat for about 2 hours. This initial high heat helps to kickstart the cooking process.
    • After 2 hours, reduce the heat to low and continue cooking for an additional 4 to 5 hours, or until the beans are tender.

  4. Prepare the Ham:

    • Once the beans are tender, remove the ham hocks or ham bone from the crockpot. Shred the meat, discarding any fat or bones.
    • Return the shredded meat to the crockpot.

  5. Final Touches:

    • If the soup is thicker than you prefer, consider removing about 1 cup of liquid before the next step. This is based on your preference for soup thickness.
    • Stir in the light brown sugar, mixing gently to combine all the ingredients.

  6. Serve:

    • Ladle the soup into individual bowls for serving. This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own but can also be paired with crusty bread for dipping.

Notes

Tips:

  • Soaking Beans Overnight: If you have time, soaking the beans overnight in cold water can reduce cooking time and make the beans more tender.
  • Adjust Seasonings: Taste the soup before adding the brown sugar and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. The ham hocks will contribute to the soup’s saltiness.
  • Add Vegetables: For more flavor and nutrition, consider adding carrots or celery along with the onions.

This White Bean and Ham Hock Soup is a classic comfort dish, rich in flavors and perfect for warming up during cold days. Enjoy the slow-cooked goodness and the satisfying combination of beans and ham in every spoonful.

Find it online: https://exorecipes.com/white-bean-and-ham-hock-soup/