Ham Hock and Bean Soup Recipe

Cozy up with a hearty bowl of Ham Hock and Bean Soup, made with farm-fresh ingredients from R Family Farms. This classic, comforting dish is packed with flavor, and it’s a perfect way to warm up on cooler days. The slow-cooked ham hock adds richness to the broth, while the beans provide a satisfying texture. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal!

Ingredients:

  • 1 smoked ham hock (from R Family Farms)

  • 2 cups dried white beans (such as navy or cannellini)

  • 1 large onion, chopped

  • 2 carrots, diced

  • 2 celery stalks, diced

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 bay leaf

  • 1 tsp dried thyme

  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Soak the Beans: Rinse the beans and place them in a large bowl. Cover with water and soak overnight. Drain and rinse again before cooking. (For a quicker option, use canned beans—just drain and rinse them.)

  2. Cook the Ham Hock: In a large pot, add the ham hock and enough water to cover it. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. This will soften the ham and extract its rich flavors.

  3. Prepare the Soup Base: In a separate large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened (about 5 minutes). Add the garlic and cook for another minute.

  4. Combine Ingredients: Add the drained beans, bay leaf, thyme, and broth to the pot with the vegetables. Carefully transfer the ham hock and its cooking liquid to the soup. Bring everything to a simmer, cover, and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the beans are tender and the ham is falling off the bone.

  5. Shred the Ham: Remove the ham hock from the pot. Once cool enough to handle, shred the meat from the bone and return it to the soup. Discard the bone and any excess fat.

  6. Season and Serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, if desired.

Serving Suggestion:

Serve this ham hock and bean soup with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete and wholesome meal. It’s even better the next day, as the flavors continue to develop!

Enjoy this hearty, farm-to-table meal from R Family Farms!

Kaye Bauyon