Explanation
White bean and ham soup is a delicious and comforting meal that is great for a cozy dinner. Mixing soft beans with smoked ham hocks makes a tasty broth that warms you up. This recipe is easy to make and only needs a few ingredients, but it has a rich and delicious taste. Follow these steps to make this traditional soup.
List of items needed to make a recipe.
1 pound of dried white beans like navy, cannellini, or great northern beans.
2 pieces of smoked pork knuckle
1 big onion, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and cut into small pieces.
2 pieces of celery, cut into small pieces (if desired)
4 pieces of garlic, finely chopped
8 cups of chicken broth or water
1 leaf from the bay tree
1 teaspoon of dried thyme (you can choose not to use it)
Add salt and pepper according to your preference.
Fresh parsley, finely chopped (to decorate)
How to Prepare
First, get the beans ready.
Begin by going through the dried beans to take out any dirt or small particles. Wash the beans well with cold water. To make cooking faster, soak the beans in a big bowl with lots of water overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the fast-soak technique: put the beans in water, bring it to a boil, then turn off the heat and let it sit for 1 hour.
Next, cook the aromatic ingredients in a pan with some oil.
In a big pot or a large cooking pot, warm up some oil on medium heat. Put the chopped onion, carrots, and celery (if you are using it). Cook the vegetables in a pan until they begin to get soft, which should take around 5 minutes. Put the chopped garlic in the pan and cook for one more minute until it smells good.
Step 3: Put in the ham hocks and beans.
Remove the beans from the water and put them in the pot with the smoked ham hocks. Add the chicken broth or water until the beans and ham hocks are completely covered.
Step 4: Add flavor to the soup.
Put the bay leaf and dried thyme (if you have it). Add a little salt and pepper, but be careful with the salt because the ham hocks are already salty. Heat the soup until it boils, then lower the heat and put a lid on the pot. Allow the soup to cook slowly for around 2 to 3 hours, until the beans are soft and the ham hocks are very tender.
Step 5: Complete the Soup
Once the beans are soft, take out the ham hocks from the pot. Let the meat cool a bit, then take it off the bones and tear it into small pieces. Remove the bones and skin. Put the chopped ham back in the pot and mix it well. Try the soup and add more salt and pepper if necessary.
Step 6: Serve and have fun
Put the soup in bowls and add some freshly cut parsley on top. Enjoy it hot with crunchy bread for a delicious and filling meal.
Advice and Final Thoughts
Extra advice:
Enhance the Taste: To make your soup more flavorful, consider adding a bit of white wine or apple cider vinegar before letting it simmer.
For a thicker soup, you can crush some beans in the pot or use a hand blender to mix part of the soup.
Different types of vegetables can be added to the soup, like potatoes or kale, to give it more variety and make it healthier.
Final thoughts:
This soup with white beans and ham is a traditional and tasty dish that is comforting and delicious. The smoked ham hocks give the broth a delicious flavor that goes well with the smooth white beans. Whether you’re having it for lunch or dinner, this soup will definitely make you feel full and happy. Enjoy the deliciousness of this dish and remember to make more because it tastes even better the following day!
