Mixed dried bean soup with smoked ham hock

Smoked Ham and Bean Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish, perfect for chilly days or whenever you crave a warm bowl of goodness. This recipe combines tradition with simple yet tasty ingredients, bringing an explosion of flavors and a rich texture to your table. Here’s how to prepare this delicacy step by step.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Necessary ingredients:

- 200 g white beans
- 200 g red beans
- 200 g speckled beans
- 1 smoked ham hock (1-1.2 kg)
- 1 onion
- 1 carrot
- 1 parsnip
- 50 g celery
- 1 large red bell pepper
- 3 ripe tomatoes
- 1 potato
- 50 g ketchup
- 100 ml tomato juice
- 1 bunch of fresh dill and parsley
- 1 cube/teaspoon vegetable concentrate
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- Salt, pepper, sweet paprika, thyme, bay leaves, to taste

Step by step:

1. Preparing the beans: Start by washing the beans thoroughly. Choose three types of beans (white, red, and speckled) that are similar in size for even cooking. Soak them in cold water, preferably overnight, and let them sit until the next day. This step is essential for a successful soup, as rehydrated beans will cook faster and have a more pleasant texture.

2. Boiling the beans: After soaking, drain the beans and place them in 3 liters of cold water with a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and let simmer on low heat.

3. Preparing the ham hock: In another pot, add the smoked ham hock cut in half, along with 3 liters of cold water. Simmer on low heat, covered, for about 1 hour. The aroma of the ham hock will enrich the soup with a smoky and savory flavor.

4. The vegetables: Meanwhile, peel and finely chop the onion, carrot, parsnip, celery, and bell pepper. In a non-stick skillet, heat the 3 tablespoons of oil and add the chopped onion and vegetables. Sauté on low heat for about 10 minutes, until they become soft. Add the chopped herbs (dill and parsley), vegetable concentrate, ketchup, and sugar. This combination will add natural sweetness and vibrant flavor to your soup.

5. Assembling the soup: Once the ham hock is cooked, remove it from the pot and place it on a plate. Pour the broth into the pot with the boiling beans. Remove the bones from the ham hock and portion the meat. Return the chopped meat to the soup.

6. Finalizing the dish: Add the tomato paste and diced tomatoes to the pot with the soup, letting it simmer together for 15-20 minutes. At this point, add 2-3 bay leaves, a teaspoon of sweet paprika, half a teaspoon of thyme, a pinch of pepper, and adjust the taste with salt.

7. Serving: The bean soup is served hot, accompanied by hot peppers or pickles for an extra kick. If desired, each person can sour their soup in the bowl with a splash of vinegar, adding a note of freshness.

Practical tips:

- Buy quality beans: Ensure that the beans you choose are fresh. Check the label and pick beans that are not damaged.
- Adjust the spices: Everyone’s taste is different, so feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. You can also add garlic for an extra flavor boost.
- Vary the ham: If you prefer a lighter version, you can use smoked chicken or even mushrooms for a vegetarian option.

Nutritional information:

This bean soup is not only delicious but also healthy. Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. Additionally, the smoked ham adds protein and fat, while the vegetables provide important vitamins and minerals.

A serving of soup contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of meat and oil used.

Personal stories and combinations:

This soup evokes memories of family meals, where everyone gathered around the table to enjoy a warm serving. It is a perfect dish to be served alongside homemade bread, freshly baked, or a crunchy green salad.

In conclusion, smoked ham and bean soup is a classic dish full of tradition and warmth that will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Don’t forget to enjoy every step of the preparation and share the soup with those dear to you, turning every meal into a memorable experience. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 200 g white beans, 200 g red beans, 200 g speckled beans, 1 smoked ham hock (1-1.2 kg), 1 onion, 1 carrot, 1 parsnip, 50 g celery, 1 large red bell pepper, 3 tomatoes, 1 potato, 50 g ketchup, 100 ml tomato juice, 1 bunch of dill and parsley, 1 cube/teaspoon of vegetable concentrate, 3 tablespoons of oil, 2 teaspoons of salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, bay leaves.