Bean soup with smoked ham hock

Recipe for Bean Soup with Smoked Ham Hock

Bean soup with smoked ham hock is a traditional Romanian dish, full of flavor and warmth, perfect for cool days. This simple and delicious recipe transforms basic ingredients into a comforting meal, ideal for gathering the family around the table.

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Cooking time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Ingredients:
- 1 smoked ham hock (approximately 700 g)
- 500 g dried beans, washed and free of impurities
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 parsley root, peeled and diced
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 50 ml sunflower or olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Salt to taste
- Optional: thyme, for added flavor

Preparation method:

1. Preparing the beans: Start by placing the dried beans in a large pot and covering them with water. Boil the beans until they come to a boil (about 10-15 minutes), then discard the water. This step helps improve the digestibility of the beans and removes substances that can cause gastric discomfort.

2. Adding the main ingredients: Add the smoked ham hock over the drained beans and pour in 3-4 liters of hot water (not cold!). Using hot water helps maintain the high temperature of the dish, speeding up the cooking process.

3. Adding the vegetables: Introduce the carrots, parsley root, and bay leaf into the pot. Simmer on low heat, covered, for about 1 hour. Check the beans and ham hock from time to time to ensure they are well cooked.

4. Seasoning the soup: Once the beans and ham hock are cooked, add the tomato paste, salt, and thyme to taste. Let the soup come to a boil to blend the flavors.

5. Preparing the onions: In a frying pan, heat the oil and sauté the finely chopped onion until golden and soft. This will add a sweet and aromatic note to the soup.

6. Finalizing the soup: Add the sautéed onion to the pot with the soup and let it boil for another 2-3 minutes. Here you can adjust the salt and spices to your liking.

7. Serving: The bean soup with smoked ham hock is served hot, ideally with red onion or hot pepper on the side for added flavor. You can also add a spoonful of sour cream for a creamy texture.

Personal suggestion: If you want to make this soup even heartier, you can add some diced potatoes or a handful of fresh spinach leaves in the last 10 minutes of cooking.

This soup is not only a nourishing dish but also an excellent way to enjoy traditional Romanian flavors. Prepared with patience and love, bean soup with smoked ham hock will surely become a family favorite. Experiment and add your own variations to give it a personal touch!

 Ingredients: 1 smoked ham hock, 500 g beans, washed and free of impurities, 2 carrots, 1 parsley root, 1 bay leaf, 2 onions, finely chopped, 50ml oil, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, salt to taste, optional: thyme

 Tags:  soup bean smoked ham