Bean and Ham Hock Soup
Description
Bean and Ham Hock Soup is a rich, hearty, and comforting classic packed with tender beans, smoky ham hock, and savory vegetables simmered into a flavorful broth. This cozy soup is filling, budget-friendly, and perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or meal prep. Slow-cooked flavor and simple ingredients make this timeless comfort dish incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 lb dried navy beans or great northern beans, soaked overnight
- 1 smoked ham hock
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth or water
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse and drain soaked beans.
- In a large pot or slow cooker, add beans, ham hock, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, broth, thyme, and bay leaf.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2–3 hours until beans are tender and ham is falling off the bone.
(Slow Cooker: cook on LOW for 7–8 hours.) - Remove ham hock, shred the meat, and discard bones and excess fat.
- Return shredded ham to the soup and stir well.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot garnished with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Smoked ham hock adds deep savory flavor to the broth.
- Beans continue thickening as the soup cools.
- Soaking beans overnight helps even cooking.
Tips
- Add potatoes for extra heartiness.
- A splash of hot sauce adds great flavor balance.
- Serve with cornbread or crusty bread.
Servings
8 servings
Nutritional Info (Approx. Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 9g
Benefits
- High in protein and fiber
- Budget-friendly comfort food
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
- Filling and hearty meal
- Rich smoky homemade flavor
Q&A
Can I use canned beans?
Yes, reduce cooking time significantly if using canned beans.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, freeze for up to 3 months.
What beans work best?
Navy beans and great northern beans are traditional choices.
How long does it last in the fridge?
Up to 4–5 days refrigerated.
What sides pair well with this soup?
Cornbread, biscuits, crackers, or crusty bread.