Smoked Ham Hock Bean Soup
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Servings: 6
This is a traditional Romanian recipe, perfect for chilly days or a family meal. Smoked ham hock bean soup is not only nourishing but also full of flavors, bringing a touch of nostalgia in every spoonful. In this version, the smoked ham hock adds a unique flavor, while the beans become soft and creamy, transforming this dish into a true delight.
### Required Ingredients:
- 500 g dried beans
- 2 carrots
- 1 large onion
- 1 celery root (approximately 150 g)
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 50 ml oil
- 1 bell pepper (preferably red for added color)
- 1 small onion (for sautéing)
- Fresh or dried lovage (according to preference)
- Salt, pepper, and thyme (to taste)
### Step-by-step Instructions:
1. Start with the beans: It is essential to choose quality beans. Soak the dried beans in cold water the night before. This step helps reduce cooking time and achieve a finer texture. Ensure the beans are completely covered with water as they will absorb the liquid.
2. Preparing the ham hock: The next day, wash the ham hock and cut it into cubes or slices, according to preference. I recommend using smoked pork hock, as the smoke will give the soup an intense flavor.
3. Boiling the ham hock: Place the cut ham hock in a large pot, add water, and let it boil over medium heat. Cover the pot with a lid to speed up the boiling. Once the water starts to boil, let it boil for about 30 minutes.
4. Add the vegetables: Peel and finely chop the carrots, celery, and onion. After 30 minutes, add the vegetables to the pot along with the diced bell pepper. These vegetables will add sweetness and flavor to the soup.
5. Boiling the beans: Drain the beans from the water and add them to the pot. Cover with fresh water, leaving enough space for the ingredients to boil. Let everything boil over medium heat for about 1 hour or until the beans are soft.
6. Seasoning: In a separate pan, heat the oil and add the small onion, sautéing until golden. Then add the tomato paste and let it cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly. This will add a rich flavor to the soup.
7. Finalizing the soup: Once the beans are cooked, add the onion and tomato paste mixture to the pot. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme to taste. Let the soup boil for another 10-15 minutes to blend the flavors.
8. Serving: Finally, add the freshly chopped lovage and let the soup sit for a few minutes before serving. It is delicious both hot and at room temperature.
### Useful Tips:
- Variations: You can also add other vegetables, such as potatoes or zucchini, to enhance the consistency. If you like it spicy, add a hot pepper as well.
- For a more intense flavor: Replace some of the boiling water with meat or vegetable broth.
- Alternative servings: Bean soup pairs perfectly with a slice of homemade bread, pickles, or even a spoonful of sour cream for added creaminess.
Enjoy a smoked ham hock bean soup that will warm your soul! This simple and delicious recipe is perfect for gathering the family at the table and creating unforgettable memories.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Servings: 6
This is a traditional Romanian recipe, perfect for chilly days or a family meal. Smoked ham hock bean soup is not only nourishing but also full of flavors, bringing a touch of nostalgia in every spoonful. In this version, the smoked ham hock adds a unique flavor, while the beans become soft and creamy, transforming this dish into a true delight.
### Required Ingredients:
- 500 g dried beans
- 2 carrots
- 1 large onion
- 1 celery root (approximately 150 g)
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 50 ml oil
- 1 bell pepper (preferably red for added color)
- 1 small onion (for sautéing)
- Fresh or dried lovage (according to preference)
- Salt, pepper, and thyme (to taste)
### Step-by-step Instructions:
1. Start with the beans: It is essential to choose quality beans. Soak the dried beans in cold water the night before. This step helps reduce cooking time and achieve a finer texture. Ensure the beans are completely covered with water as they will absorb the liquid.
2. Preparing the ham hock: The next day, wash the ham hock and cut it into cubes or slices, according to preference. I recommend using smoked pork hock, as the smoke will give the soup an intense flavor.
3. Boiling the ham hock: Place the cut ham hock in a large pot, add water, and let it boil over medium heat. Cover the pot with a lid to speed up the boiling. Once the water starts to boil, let it boil for about 30 minutes.
4. Add the vegetables: Peel and finely chop the carrots, celery, and onion. After 30 minutes, add the vegetables to the pot along with the diced bell pepper. These vegetables will add sweetness and flavor to the soup.
5. Boiling the beans: Drain the beans from the water and add them to the pot. Cover with fresh water, leaving enough space for the ingredients to boil. Let everything boil over medium heat for about 1 hour or until the beans are soft.
6. Seasoning: In a separate pan, heat the oil and add the small onion, sautéing until golden. Then add the tomato paste and let it cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly. This will add a rich flavor to the soup.
7. Finalizing the soup: Once the beans are cooked, add the onion and tomato paste mixture to the pot. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme to taste. Let the soup boil for another 10-15 minutes to blend the flavors.
8. Serving: Finally, add the freshly chopped lovage and let the soup sit for a few minutes before serving. It is delicious both hot and at room temperature.
### Useful Tips:
- Variations: You can also add other vegetables, such as potatoes or zucchini, to enhance the consistency. If you like it spicy, add a hot pepper as well.
- For a more intense flavor: Replace some of the boiling water with meat or vegetable broth.
- Alternative servings: Bean soup pairs perfectly with a slice of homemade bread, pickles, or even a spoonful of sour cream for added creaminess.
Enjoy a smoked ham hock bean soup that will warm your soul! This simple and delicious recipe is perfect for gathering the family at the table and creating unforgettable memories.