This White Beans and Ham Hock Soup is the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly day. The tender beans, rich broth, and smoky ham hock come together for a comforting, hearty meal. It’s an ideal one-pot dish that’s easy to make and perfect for leftovers.
The Instant Pot ensures the beans are perfectly cooked and absorb all the delicious flavors of the ham hock. With a touch of thyme and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this soup is full of depth and flavor. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s both filling and nutritious, perfect for cozy nights with family or friends.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 lb dried white beans (such as Great Northern or Navy beans)
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1 ham hock, bone-in
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1 onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 carrots, peeled and chopped
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2 celery stalks, chopped
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1 bay leaf
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6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
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Directions:
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Rinse and sort the beans to remove any debris. Set aside.
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Turn on the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” mode. Add a little olive oil and sauté the chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
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Add the beans, ham hock, thyme, bay leaf, and chicken broth to the Instant Pot. Stir to combine.
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Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode for 45 minutes on high pressure. Once done, allow for a natural pressure release for about 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
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Carefully remove the ham hock from the soup and shred the meat from the bone, then return the meat to the pot.
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Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well.
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Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
White Beans and Ham Hock Soup: A Comforting Classic
White Beans and Ham Hock Soup is the epitome of hearty, comforting meals that deliver on both taste and satisfaction. This soup brings together the subtle flavors of white beans with the savory richness of ham hocks, creating a dish that’s both filling and flavorful. Perfect for a chilly day, this soup is a go-to for families and individuals seeking a meal that’s easy to make and will warm you up from the inside out.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. By using just a few ingredients, you can create a rich, flavorful soup that will please the whole family. White beans are a healthy, nutritious base, providing protein and fiber, while the ham hock contributes a deep, smoky flavor that infuses the broth. The use of the Instant Pot makes the cooking process even easier, reducing cook time while still allowing the beans to absorb all the savory flavors.
Why Use the Instant Pot for This Soup?
Using the Instant Pot to make White Beans and Ham Hock Soup is a game-changer. Not only does it save time, but it also ensures that the flavors meld perfectly. The Instant Pot allows the beans to cook under pressure, absorbing the ham hock’s smokiness while maintaining their texture. Without the Instant Pot, cooking dried beans can take hours, but with this method, you can have a full, rich soup ready in just over an hour.
Another benefit of using the Instant Pot is the ability to cook the soup in one pot, which makes cleanup a breeze. There’s no need to babysit the stove or monitor the cooking process as you would with traditional stovetop methods. You can set the Instant Pot and walk away, knowing that it will handle everything for you. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
The Versatility of White Beans and Ham Hock Soup
While the combination of white beans and ham hock is traditional and delicious, the versatility of this soup allows you to get creative with ingredients. You can add extra vegetables like potatoes, kale, or spinach to make it even more hearty and nutritious. For an extra touch of flavor, you can experiment with different herbs and spices, such as rosemary or smoked paprika, to elevate the taste profile of the soup.
The soup can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days, allowing the flavors to deepen. It’s the perfect dish to prepare in advance for a busy week, as it can be easily reheated for a quick meal. Alternatively, this soup can be frozen, making it a great option for meal prepping or saving leftovers for later.
Health Benefits of White Beans and Ham Hock Soup
White beans, the star of this soup, are packed with nutritional benefits. They are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. White beans are particularly high in iron, which is important for maintaining healthy red blood cells and preventing iron-deficiency anemia. They also provide a good dose of folate, which is crucial for cell function and tissue growth, and magnesium, which helps support muscle and nerve function.
Ham hocks, while often considered a fatty cut of meat, add a rich flavor to the soup without overwhelming it. The fat from the ham hock renders into the broth, infusing it with a savory taste. While ham hocks do contain some fat, they also provide a source of protein and other nutrients, such as zinc and vitamin B12. In moderation, they can be a great addition to a balanced diet, adding depth and umami to the soup.
For those looking to make the soup lighter or more plant-based, there are plenty of ways to modify the recipe. You can opt for a smoked vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the ham hock entirely, replacing it with smoked tofu or tempeh for that same smoky flavor without the meat. You could also use a low-sodium broth to reduce the salt content, making the soup more heart-healthy.
Tips for Making the Perfect White Beans and Ham Hock Soup
To ensure that your White Beans and Ham Hock Soup turns out perfectly, there are a few key tips to keep in mind. First, it’s important to properly rinse and sort your dried beans. This helps remove any debris or dirt that may have been left behind during the drying process. If you’re using beans that have been sitting in your pantry for a while, consider soaking them overnight before cooking to help them cook more evenly.
Second, don’t skip the sauté step! Sautéing the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in a little olive oil before adding the beans and broth is a crucial step in building flavor. This step helps to release the aromatic oils from the vegetables, creating a flavorful base that enhances the overall taste of the soup.
Lastly, when cooking the soup in the Instant Pot, make sure you allow for a natural pressure release after the cooking cycle is complete. This extra time allows the beans to continue cooking in the residual heat and ensures they are perfectly tender. For a creamier texture, you can also mash some of the beans against the side of the Instant Pot before serving.
How to Serve White Beans and Ham Hock Soup
White Beans and Ham Hock Soup is a wonderfully versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. You can serve it with crusty bread for dipping, or with a side salad for a well-rounded meal. For a more complete dinner, consider pairing it with a light dessert, such as a fruit salad or a slice of lemon cake, to balance out the richness of the soup.
If you’re hosting a dinner party, this soup can be served as a starter or as the main dish. It’s sure to impress your guests with its hearty, satisfying flavors. The combination of beans and ham hock is both comforting and filling, making it the perfect choice for a casual gathering or a more formal dinner.
Conclusion
White Beans and Ham Hock Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting and nourishing dish that evokes a sense of warmth and tradition. Made easy with the Instant Pot, it’s a time-saving recipe that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold winter’s day or making it for a family dinner, this soup will leave you feeling satisfied and content. Its versatility allows you to tweak it to your taste, and its health benefits make it a great addition to your meal rotation. So, the next time you’re in need of a filling, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish, look no further than this White Beans and Ham Hock Soup. It’s sure to become a beloved recipe in your home for years to come.