Wrap yourself in the warmth of a comforting bowl with this White Bean and Ham Hock Soup. Brimming with the earthy flavors of dried Northern beans, succulent ham hocks, and aromatic spices, this recipe is a testament to the heartiness of homemade goodness. Join us in crafting this soul-soothing delight that’s perfect for any cozy gathering or chilly day.
Ingredients: Gather the following ingredients for this heartwarming soup:
- A medium package of dried Northern beans (approximately 16 ounces)
- 3 to 4 meaty ham hock shanks (or a meaty ham bone)
- 1 small diced white onion
- Enough water to cover the beans
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
Directions:
Step 1: Prepare the Beans Start by sorting through the dried beans, removing any pebbles, and giving them a thorough rinse under cold water.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients In a crockpot, combine the rinsed beans, diced onion, sea salt, pepper, and the ham hock shanks (or ham bone), chopped into large chunks.
Step 3: Add Water Add enough water to cover the beans by about 2 inches, totaling approximately 6 to 8 cups of water.
Step 4: Cooking Cover the crockpot and cook over high heat for 120 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking for an additional 4 to 5 hours or until the beans reach a tender consistency.
Step 5: Remove and Shred the Meat After cooking, remove the ham shanks or hocks from the soup. Carefully shred all the flavorful meat from them.
Step 6: Add Brown Sugar Return the shredded meat to the crockpot and introduce the light brown sugar. Optionally, drain about 1 cup of soup liquid to achieve your desired thickness. Gently mix everything to combine.
Step 7: Serve Ladle this comforting soup into individual bowls, each spoonful offering a medley of hearty beans, tender ham, and rich flavors.
Conclusion: As you savor each spoonful of this White Bean and Ham Hock Soup, relish in the heartiness and warmth that fills your palate. This recipe is more than just a soup; it’s a comforting embrace, a taste of tradition, and a reminder of the simple pleasures that come from homemade goodness. Perfect for gatherings or solitary moments of solace, this soup is a delightful addition to your repertoire of comforting recipes. Enjoy!