Bean soup with ham hock

Bean soup with smoked ham hock - a traditional recipe, full of flavor and warmth, perfect for those days when the desire for culinary comfort envelops our soul. This soup is more than just a simple dish; it is a vivid memory of home-cooked meals, a perfect blend of simple ingredients and rich flavors. Get ready to enjoy a dish that will not only warm your heart but also fill your belly with goodness!

Preparation time: 20 minutes (plus soaking time for the beans)
Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Necessary ingredients:
- 500 g dried beans (choose white beans or large beans for better texture)
- 1 smoked ham hock (approximately 500 g, the ideal choice for an intense flavor)
- 2 carrots (for natural sweetness)
- 1 onion (black or yellow, for flavor)
- 1 celery stalk (for an extra taste)
- 3 tablespoons of flour (to thicken the soup)
- 2 cups of tomato juice (or a few tablespoons of tomato paste for a more concentrated flavor)
- A handful of fresh parsley (to add a touch of freshness)
- Tarragon (fresh or dried, for a distinctive flavor)
- Oil for frying
- Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation of bean soup with smoked ham hock:

1. Start with the beans: If you have time, soak the beans overnight in cold water. This will allow the beans to rehydrate and reduce cooking time. If you don’t have time, you can boil the beans for 20 minutes, then drain and continue with the recipe. This is a useful trick to achieve better consistency and reduced cooking time.

2. Preparing the ingredients: The next day, drain the soaked beans and rinse them under cold running water. Then, place them in a large pot. Now, finely chop the onion, carrots, and celery. These vegetables will add sweetness and a rich taste to your soup.

3. Add the ham hock: Remove the meat from the smoked ham hock and set it aside. Add the bones to the pot along with the chopped vegetables and beans. Cover everything with water (approximately 1.5 liters) and place the pot over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer.

4. Preparing the roux: When the beans are almost cooked (about 45 minutes), heat the oil in a pan. Add the 3 tablespoons of flour and stir continuously until the mixture turns brown (the so-called "roux"). This step is essential for achieving a creamy and delicious soup without lumps.

5. Add the tomato juice: Once the flour has taken on a pleasant color, add the tomato juice and a few ladles of water from the soup pot. Mix well, ensuring no lumps form. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes.

6. Combining the ingredients: Add this mixture to the pot with the beans and let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. This is the time to add the ham hock meat you set aside.

7. Finalizing the soup: Finally, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Add the chopped parsley and tarragon. These fresh herbs will add a touch of freshness and flavor to your soup.

8. Serving: Bean soup with smoked ham hock is served hot, alongside green onions or a pickled onion salad. This will add a pleasant contrast and perfectly complement the soup.

Useful tips:
- You can substitute the smoked ham hock with beef or another type of smoked meat to vary the recipe.
- If you prefer a spicier soup, add hot peppers or chili flakes during cooking.
- This soup keeps well in the refrigerator and is even tastier the next day when the flavors have had time to develop.

Nutritional benefits:
Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, making them ideal for a healthy diet. They also contain B vitamins, iron, and magnesium, contributing to overall good health. The smoked ham hock adds protein and a unique flavor, but consumed in moderation, it fits perfectly into a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use canned beans? It is recommended to use dried beans for better flavor, but if you are in a hurry, canned beans can be an alternative. Be sure to rinse them well before use.
- How do I store the soup? The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for later consumption, but make sure to reheat it well before serving.
- What other recipes can I try with beans? If you like beans, you can also try a bean salad or chili con carne, which are equally delicious and nutritious.

So, embrace this recipe for bean soup with smoked ham hock and let yourself be carried away by the pleasant memories of home-cooked meals. Enjoy every bite, for every bowl of soup is a delicious story!

 Ingredients: 500 g dried beans, 1 smoked ham hock, 2 carrots, 1 onion, 1 stalk of celery, 3 tablespoons of flour, 2 glasses of tomato juice (or a few tablespoons of tomato paste), fresh parsley, tarragon

 Tags:  soup bean smoked ham