White Bean & Ham Hock Soup

A Hearty Comfort Dish!

Introduction

White Bean & Ham Hock Soup is a classic comfort dish that is not only flavorful but also packed with protein. This slow-cooked soup combines the richness of meaty ham hocks and the creamy texture of Northern beans, making it a favorite for cold weather. The best part? It’s a simple and satisfying recipe that anyone can prepare with minimal ingredients.

This guide will walk you through every step of preparing a hearty White Bean & Ham Hock Soup that’s rich in flavor, perfect for family dinners, and can be customized to your taste. Whether you’re cooking for a weekend meal or looking to stock your freezer with leftovers, this soup will quickly become a household staple.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for White Bean & Ham Hock Soup

To prepare this flavorful soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

16 ounces of dried Northern beans (sorted and cleaned)
3 to 4 meaty ham hocks (or substitute with a meaty ham bone if unavailable)
1 small white onion, diced
Salt & pepper, to taste
1/3 cup of light brown sugar
Water (enough to cover the beans by at least 2 inches)

Step-by-Step Recipe Guide

Step 1: Preparing the Beans

The first step in preparing your White Bean & Ham Hock Soup is to ensure that the beans are clean and free of any unwanted debris. Dried beans often contain small pebbles or dirt that can ruin the texture of the dish if left unchecked. Here’s how to do it:

Sort the beans carefully, removing any small stones or broken pieces.
Rinse the beans under cold running water until they are completely clean. This will ensure that the beans are ready to soak up all the delicious flavors from the ham hocks and other ingredients.

Step 2: Combining Ingredients in the Crockpot

Once your beans are clean, it’s time to combine them with the other ingredients in your crockpot. Here’s what you need to do:

Add the rinsed beans to the crockpot.
Dice the white onion and add it to the crockpot.
Season the beans and onion with salt and pepper to your liking.
Place the meaty ham hocks or ham bone into the crockpot. For better flavor, you can chop the ham hocks into large chunks to release more meaty goodness into the broth.

Step 3: Adding Water and Cooking

Now that your beans, ham hocks, and seasonings are combined, it’s time to add the water:

Pour enough water into the crockpot to cover the beans by about 2 inches. This is usually around 6 to 8 cups, depending on the size of your crockpot.
Set your crockpot to high heat and cook the beans and ham for about 2 hours. This will start the process of softening the beans and allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Adjusting the Cooking Time

After the initial 2 hours of cooking on high heat, it’s time to reduce the heat and slow-cook the soup:

Turn the heat down to low and let the soup continue cooking for another 4 to 5 hours. During this time, the beans will become tender, and the ham hocks will start to fall apart, making the soup rich and hearty.
Stir occasionally to ensure that the beans cook evenly and the ham flavors are distributed throughout the broth.

Step 5: Removing and Shredding the Ham

Once the beans are tender and the soup has been slow-cooking for hours, you’ll want to remove the ham hocks to shred the meat:

Carefully remove the ham hocks or ham bone from the crockpot and place them on a plate.
Using a fork or your hands, shred the meaty pieces from the hock, discarding any bones or fat.
Return the shredded meat to the crockpot to add more flavor and texture to the soup.

Step 6: Adding the Brown Sugar

At this stage, your White Bean & Ham Hock Soup is nearly complete, but it’s time to add a unique touch that balances out the savory flavors:

Sprinkle 1/3 cup of light brown sugar into the soup. The sweetness of the brown sugar contrasts beautifully with the salty, smoky ham and the earthy beans, giving the dish a well-rounded flavor.
Stir the soup gently to ensure that the brown sugar dissolves and is evenly distributed.

Step 7: Adjusting the Thickness

Depending on how thick or thin you like your soup, you may want to adjust the consistency at this point:

If the soup is too thick, add a little more water and stir well.
If the soup is too thin, consider draining about 1 cup of the liquid before serving. The beans will continue to absorb the broth, making the soup thicker over time.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Now that your White Bean & Ham Hock Soup is complete, it’s time to serve and enjoy. Here are a few suggestions for how to serve the soup and some variations to make it your own:

Serve with crusty bread: A warm, crusty loaf of bread pairs perfectly with this hearty soup. The bread soaks up the flavorful broth, making each bite even more delicious.
Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme on top of the soup adds a touch of color and freshness that complements the rich flavors of the dish.
Add vegetables: If you want to boost the nutritional value of the soup, consider adding chopped carrots, celery, or kale during the cooking process. These vegetables will enhance the flavor and add a bit of texture.
Make it spicy: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the soup. The spice will contrast nicely with the sweetness of the brown sugar.

Storing and Reheating

One of the best things about White Bean & Ham Hock Soup is that it stores beautifully and makes excellent leftovers:

Refrigeration: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even more delicious the next day.
Freezing: You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Simply portion it into freezer-safe containers and thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stove over medium heat or use a microwave. You may need to add a little water to adjust the consistency if the soup has thickened while storing.

Conclusion

White Bean & Ham Hock Soup is a timeless recipe that brings together the hearty flavors of ham and beans with the sweetness of brown sugar. This slow-cooked dish is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or as a meal prep option for the week. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a filling and satisfying meal that your whole family will love.