Smoked ham hock bean soup

Smoked Ham Hock Bean Soup

Welcome to my kitchen! Today we will prepare a delicious traditional recipe together: smoked ham hock bean soup. This soup will not only warm your soul but will also bring back pleasant memories from childhood, when family meals were filled with flavor and warmth. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

- 1 kg dried beans (preferably white or yellow)
- 1 smoked ham hock (about 800 g)
- 1 large onion
- 1 carrot
- 1 bell pepper (preferably red)
- 1 hot pepper (optional)
- 1 small zucchini
- 1 slice of celery root
- 500 g tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 20 ml oil (sunflower or olive)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- Salt, to taste
- Thyme (optional, for flavor)

Nutritional information:
This soup is rich in fiber due to the beans, and the smoked ham hock adds a source of quality protein. Additionally, the vegetables provide essential vitamins, and fresh parsley is a good source of antioxidants. A serving of smoked ham hock bean soup has approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the serving size.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the beans:
- The night before making the soup, soak the beans in cold water. This step will help the beans cook faster and reduce preparation time. Let them sit for at least 8 hours.

2. Boiling the ham hock:
- In a large pot, place the smoked ham hock in water to boil. Let it boil for 15-20 minutes. This step will help release the flavors and prepare it for the soup. After boiling, remove the ham hock to a plate and keep the water it boiled in.

3. Deboning the ham hock:
- Once the ham hock has cooled slightly, debone it and cut it into larger pieces. These pieces will add substance to the soup.

4. Searing the meat:
- Heat the oil in a deep pan and fry the meat pieces until golden brown. This step will intensify the flavor of the ham hock and give the soup a special taste. Once browned, remove them to a plate.

5. Preparing the tomato sauce:
- In the same pan, add the diced tomatoes. Cook for 5-7 minutes until they turn into a thick sauce. This sauce will add a fresh and delicious note to the soup.

6. Boiling the beans:
- After the beans have soaked, rinse them well under cold running water, then put them to boil in fresh water. Add some of the ham hock boiling water to give it a rich flavor. Boil the beans for 30-40 minutes until they are soft but not completely broken apart.

7. Adding the vegetables:
- Peel and chop the onion, carrot, bell pepper, hot pepper, zucchini, and celery into small cubes. When the beans are almost cooked, add the chopped vegetables to the pot.

8. Combining the ingredients:
- When the vegetables and beans are nearly cooked, add the seared ham hock pieces, the tomato sauce, a cup of water (if needed), and salt to taste. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for 45 minutes. This will allow the flavors to blend perfectly.

9. Finalizing the soup:
- Finally, taste the soup and adjust the salt if necessary. Add the chopped parsley and a bit of thyme for extra flavor. Turn off the heat and let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serving suggestion:
This smoked ham hock bean soup is delicious served hot, alongside a slice of fresh bread or polenta. You can also add a spoonful of sour cream for an even richer taste. Additionally, a bottle of dry white wine or a craft beer will pair perfectly with this comforting soup.

Possible variations:
- If you want a spicier version, you can add some hot pepper or spices like paprika.
- You can substitute the smoked ham hock with pork or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add other vegetables like potatoes or pumpkin to make the soup even heartier.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use canned beans?
- Yes, you can use canned beans, but you should add them towards the end of the cooking process since they are already cooked.

2. How can I store the soup for longer?
- The soup can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for later consumption.

3. What other recipes pair well with smoked ham hock bean soup?
- You can pair it with a fresh green salad or a cabbage salad. Additionally, a simple dessert like apple compote or a fruit tart would be a perfect choice to end the meal.

I hope this smoked ham hock bean soup recipe brings a smile to your face and to your loved ones! Enjoy your meal!