Get ready to experience the warmth and comfort of a hearty bowl of White Bean and Ham Hock Soup. This flavorful recipe combines the earthiness of dried Northern beans, the savory richness of ham hocks, and a touch of sweetness for a soul-satisfying dish. Perfect for cozy gatherings or chilly days, this soup is a delightful addition to your comfort food repertoire.
Ingredients
- 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 the dried beans to remove any pebbles, and then rinse them thoroughly under cold water.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients 2. In a crockpot, combine the rinsed beans, diced onion, sea salt, pepper, and the ham hock shanks (or ham bone), which you’ve chopped into large chunks.
Step 3: Add Water 3. Add enough water to cover the beans by about 2 inches. This should yield approximately 6 to 8 cups of water.
Step 4: Cooking 4. Cover the crockpot and cook over high heat for about 120 minutes. Then, reduce the heat to low and continue cooking for an additional 4 to 5 hours, or until the beans become tender.
Step 5: Remove and Shred the Meat 5. After cooking, remove the ham shanks or hocks from the soup, and carefully shred all the meat from them.
Step 6: Add Brown Sugar 6. Return the shredded meat to the crockpot, and at this stage, add the light brown sugar. You may want to drain about 1 cup of the soup liquid depending on the thickness you desire. Gently mix everything to combine.
Step 7: Serve 7. Finally, ladle this comforting soup into individual bowls for serving!
Conclusion
Enjoy your warm, flavorful White Bean and Ham Hock Soup—a hearty dish that’s perfect for comforting gatherings or chilly days. Let the rich flavors and tender beans warm you from the inside out.