Bean soup with smoked ham hock

Bean soup with smoked knuckle is a traditional recipe, full of flavor and warmth, perfect for chilly days or for moments when we want to indulge in a hearty and comforting dish. This soup is not just a simple meal, but a true story of ingredients that blend harmoniously to create an unforgettable culinary experience.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour (in a pressure cooker) + 30 minutes (on low heat)
Total time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 300 g beans (preferably white or yellow)
- 600 g smoked knuckle (for an intense flavor)
- 1 onion
- 3 carrots
- 1 parsnip
- 1 parsley root
- 1 small celery
- 1 bell pepper (preferably red for a vibrant color)
- 3 tomatoes (fresh, ripe)
- 6 green onion stalks
- 2 bunches of dill
- 1 bunch of lovage
- Oil (for sautéing the vegetables)
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- Salt (to taste)

Step by step for a perfect soup:

1. Preparing the beans: Start by soaking the beans the night before. This step is essential as it helps reduce cooking time and improves the digestibility of the beans. Make sure to use cold water and let them sit for at least 8 hours.

2. Preparing the vegetables: On the morning of the day you will prepare the soup, clean the onion, carrots, parsnip, parsley root, celery, and bell pepper. Wash them well and chop them finely. A combination of aromatic vegetables will give a special taste to your soup.

3. Preparing the knuckle: Before adding the knuckle, wash it well under cold running water. This will add a smoky flavor to the soup, so choosing a quality knuckle is crucial.

4. Boiling the beans: Place the beans in the pressure cooker along with the knuckle and add a little salt. Boil them for about an hour. After the time is up, it will be time to check if the beans are well cooked. If you don’t have a pressure cooker, you can use a regular pot, but the boiling time will extend to about 2-3 hours.

5. Sautéing the vegetables: In a skillet, add a few tablespoons of oil and sauté the chopped vegetables for 5-7 minutes. This step will intensify the flavors and give a richer taste to the soup.

6. Combining the ingredients: Once the beans are cooked, transfer them to a larger pot. Add the sautéed vegetables and the boiled knuckle. Remove the bones from the knuckle, chop it finely, and add it to the pot. Fill with water and let it simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes.

7. Adding the tomatoes: Cut the tomatoes into small cubes and add them to the soup along with the tomato paste. These ingredients will not only give a fresh taste but will also add a pleasant color to the dish. Let it boil for another 10-15 minutes.

8. Adjusting the taste: Finally, taste the soup and adjust the salt. Add the finely chopped greens (dill and lovage), which will bring an extra freshness and aroma.

9. Serving: The bean soup with smoked knuckle is delicious served hot, alongside a slice of fresh bread or polenta. You can sprinkle a few lovage leaves on top for a more attractive appearance.

Serving suggestions: This soup is perfect for a family meal, but it can also be an excellent dish to serve at a festive table. Additionally, it pairs wonderfully with a homemade refreshing drink, such as fruit compote or natural tomato juice.

Nutritional benefits: Bean soup is rich in plant proteins, fiber, and vitamins, especially from vegetables. Beans are an excellent source of iron, and the smoked knuckle adds quality protein. This is a hearty meal that will warm you on cold days.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use canned beans?: Yes, but the cooking time will be significantly reduced. In this case, add the beans in the last 15-20 minutes of boiling.

2. How can I store the soup?: The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or can be frozen for later use.

3. Can I replace the knuckle with another type of meat?: Sure! You can use pork or even chicken, depending on your preferences.

4. What other ingredients can I add?: You can experiment with other vegetables or spices, such as hot pepper or smoked fish, for a more interesting flavor.

5. How can I adapt the recipe for vegans?: You can omit the knuckle and use vegetable broth to keep the intense flavors.

Whether it's an ordinary day or a special occasion, this bean soup with smoked knuckle will surely bring joy and satisfaction to your table. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 300g beans, 600g smoked ham hock, 1 onion, 3 carrots, 1 parsnip, 1 parsley root, 1 small celery, 1 bell pepper, 3 tomatoes, 6 green onions, 2 bunches of dill, 1 bunch of lovage, oil, 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, salt

 Tags:  soup smoked ham hock beans