Southern style soup with white beans, smoky ham hock, veggies, and savory herbs, perfect for chilly days.
# What You Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 large smoked ham hock, approximately 1 to 1.5 pounds
→ Beans
02 - 1 pound dried great northern or cannellini beans, soaked overnight and drained
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
04 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
→ Herbs and Seasonings
07 - 2 bay leaves
08 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
09 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
10 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, optional
11 - Salt to taste
→ Liquids
12 - 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water
→ Finishing
13 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
# How-To:
01 - In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, combine the soaked and drained beans, ham hock, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
02 - Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine thoroughly.
03 - Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
04 - Remove the ham hock and allow it to cool slightly. Shred the meat, discarding skin and bone, then return shredded meat to the pot.
05 - Continue simmering uncovered for 30 minutes until the beans are tender and the soup has thickened slightly. Add more broth or water as needed.
06 - Taste and season with salt as needed, keeping in mind the ham hock contributes saltiness. Remove bay leaves. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley.
