Bean soup with smoked ham hock

Bean soup with smoked ham hock - A traditional recipe full of flavor

Bean soup with smoked ham hock is more than just a simple meal; it is a culinary experience that reminds us of family gatherings, long and cold winters, and the warmth of home. This rich and comforting recipe combines the intense flavors of smoked ham hock with the creamy texture of beans, resulting in a dish that will delight your senses. Additionally, bean soup is a symbol of culinary traditions, appreciated in many cultures for its nutritional value and exquisite taste.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 6

Necessary ingredients:
- 500 g of beans (preferably white or red beans)
- 2 medium white onions
- 1 bell pepper
- 2 large carrots
- 2 peeled tomatoes (or 200 g of canned tomatoes)
- 1 l of borscht (or more, depending on preference)
- 200 g of smoked pork hock
- 1 root of celery
- 1 root of parsnip
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- Dried thyme (or fresh, if available)
- 1 bunch of fresh lovage
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- Fresh tarragon, for serving

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the beans: Start by washing the beans well under a stream of cold water. Then, place the beans in a pot with water and let them boil for 20 minutes. This step helps remove toxins and substances that can cause digestive discomfort. After 20 minutes, drain the beans and replace the water with fresh hot water. This method will help achieve soft and delicious beans.

2. Adding the smoked ham hock: After changing the water, add the well-washed pork hock. There is no need to add oil, as the hock will release enough fat to flavor the soup. Let the hock boil with the beans over medium heat for about 30-40 minutes.

3. Preparing the vegetables: While the beans and hock are boiling, peel and finely chop the onion, bell pepper, carrots, celery, and parsnip. This combination of vegetables will give the soup a wonderful flavor and an extra dose of nutrients.

4. Adding the vegetables and seasonings: Once the beans and hock have boiled sufficiently, add the prepared vegetables, salt, tomato paste, and continue to cook over low heat. Let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. The borscht and final flavors: Finally, add the borscht and let the soup come to a boil. The borscht adds a pleasant acidity and a distinct flavor, but you can adjust the amount according to your preferences. Towards the end, sprinkle chopped thyme, lovage, and parsley to enhance the flavors.

6. Serving: The bean soup with smoked ham hock is now ready. Serve it hot, sprinkled with fresh tarragon for an extra touch of freshness. It is delicious alongside a slice of homemade bread or polenta.

Useful tips:
- If you want a spicier soup, you can add fresh chili peppers or chili flakes.
- The soup keeps well in the refrigerator and becomes even tastier the next day when the flavors have had time to meld.
- You can experiment with different types of beans, such as black beans or mung beans, for a unique twist.

Nutritional benefits:
Bean soup with smoked ham hock is an excellent source of protein and fiber, being low in fat, especially if you choose a leaner hock. Beans are rich in antioxidants, B vitamins, and minerals like iron and magnesium, benefiting heart health and digestion.

Possible variations:
For a vegetarian option, you can replace the pork hock with a smoked soy product or mushrooms, and the borscht can be substituted with lemon juice or vinegar. These variations will give you a different but equally delicious flavor.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use canned beans? It is recommended to use dried beans, but if you choose canned beans, make sure to rinse them well to remove excess sodium.
- How can I tell when the beans are ready? The beans are ready when they are soft but not easily crushed. You can do a fork test to check the texture.

This bean soup recipe with smoked ham hock will not only warm your heart but also bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. I invite you to prepare it and enjoy its rich and comforting flavors. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1/2 kg beans, 2 white onions, 1 bell pepper, 2 carrots, 2 peeled tomatoes, 1 l borscht, thyme, 1 bunch of fresh lovage, 1 bunch of fresh parsley, salt to taste, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, root celery and parsnip, smoked pork hock

 Tags:  bean soup