Ham Hock Soup

Instructions

1. Sear the Ham Hock: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ham hock and sear on all sides until browned. Remove from the pot and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Combine Ingredients: Return the ham hock to the pot, along with the diced potatoes, green beans, soaked beans, broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine.
4. Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender and the ham hock is easily shredded with a fork.
5. Shred the Ham: Once the ham hock is tender, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. Remove the meat from the bone, shred it into bite-sized pieces, and return it to the soup. Discard the bone and bay leaf.
6. Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Ham Hock Soup

• Soak the Beans: Soaking dried beans overnight helps them cook more evenly and reduces cooking time. If you’re short on time, you can use canned beans instead—just add them in the last 15 minutes of cooking.
• Add Your Favorite Veggies: Feel free to customize the soup by adding other vegetables like corn, peas, or spinach. The more, the merrier!
• Make It Ahead: Ham hock soup can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. It also freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep.
• Use Leftover Ham: If you have leftover ham from a holiday meal, feel free to use it instead of the ham hock. Just skip the initial step of browning the hock and add the ham toward the end of cooking.

Conclusion

Ham hock soup is a comforting, hearty dish that brings together the rich flavors of smoked meat and fresh vegetables in every satisfying spoonful. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a cold night or a way to use up leftover ham, this soup is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. So gather your ingredients, let the flavors meld, and enjoy the warm, comforting embrace of a delicious bowl of ham hock soup!