There’s something truly comforting about a warm, hearty bowl of soup, especially when it’s made with love and the right ingredients. Bean and Ham Hock Soup is a classic dish that has been passed down through generations, offering the perfect combination of tender beans, savory ham, and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar. This simple yet flavorful recipe is great for cozy dinners or feeding a crowd, and with the addition of a crockpot, it’s a hands-off meal that’s easy to prepare but delivers incredible flavor.
Whether you’re making it for a chilly evening at home or looking for a dish that will bring everyone to the table at a family gathering, this bean and ham hock soup has everything you need: it’s hearty, filling, and full of satisfying flavors. The rich taste of meaty ham hocks pairs beautifully with the beans, and the brown sugar adds an unexpected but delightful sweetness that rounds out the savory elements.
Here’s how you can make this delicious soup at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 medium package of dried Northern beans (16 ounces)
- 3 to 4 meaty ham hocks or a ham bone (you can also use large chunks of ham if preferred)
- 1 small white onion, diced
- Water (enough to cover the beans, about 6 to 8 cups)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
Directions:
Step 1: Prepare the Beans
The first step in making this rich and flavorful soup is preparing the dried beans. Start by sorting through the Northern beans to remove any small pebbles or debris. Once sorted, rinse the beans thoroughly under cold water to ensure they are clean and ready to cook.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Next, add the rinsed beans to your crockpot along with the diced onion. The onion will provide a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor as it cooks. Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste—don’t be shy with the seasoning, as the ham hocks will infuse the soup with additional flavor as it simmers.
If you’re using ham shanks, chop them into large chunks before adding them to the pot. Alternatively, you can add a ham bone if that’s what you have on hand. The goal is to create a rich, meaty broth that will enhance the beans as they cook.
Step 3: Add Water and Cook
Add enough water to the crockpot to cover the beans by about 2 inches—this should be roughly 6 to 8 cups, depending on the size of your pot and the amount of beans you are using. Once the water is added, cover the crockpot and set it to cook on high for the first two hours. This initial high heat helps bring the soup to a boil, ensuring that the flavors begin to meld together quickly.
Step 4: Reduce Heat and Simmer
After two hours of cooking on high, reduce the heat to low and continue to cook for an additional 4 to 5 hours. This slow cooking time will allow the beans to soften and absorb the flavors from the ham, onion, and seasonings. Check the beans for tenderness as the cooking time comes to a close; they should be soft and fully cooked through.
Step 5: Remove and Shred the Ham
Once the beans are tender, remove the ham hocks or shanks from the crockpot. At this stage, the ham should be falling apart, making it easy to shred. Discard any bones and excess fat, then return the shredded meat back into the pot. Stir the ham into the soup to evenly distribute the flavors.
Step 6: Add the Brown Sugar
Now it’s time for a little sweetness to balance the savory flavors. Add 1/3 cup of light brown sugar to the soup. You can also drain about 1 cup of the liquid at this point, especially if the soup is a bit too soupy for your preference. Stir gently to combine the brown sugar with the broth, allowing it to melt into the soup and create a smooth, slightly sweet finish.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
After the sugar has dissolved and the soup has thickened to your desired consistency, it’s time to serve! Ladle the hearty soup into individual bowls, and enjoy the savory, meaty goodness with a touch of sweetness from the brown sugar. For an extra touch, serve with cornbread or crusty bread on the side for dipping.
Conclusion:
Bean and Ham Hock Soup is a timeless recipe that combines simple ingredients into a meal that’s anything but ordinary. With its tender beans, flavorful ham, and the comforting depth of slow-cooked broth, this soup is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck gathering. The addition of brown sugar offers a unique twist, enhancing the soup with a subtle sweetness that complements the smoky, savory flavors of the ham. Whether you enjoy it as a comforting weeknight meal or a special dish to share with loved ones, this soup will become a beloved favorite in your recipe rotation.
The beauty of this soup is its versatility and ease of preparation. Thanks to the crockpot, you can set it and forget it, letting the slow cooking process do all the hard work. The result? A soul-warming, hearty soup that’s packed with flavor and sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Enjoy!
