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**White Bean and Ham Hock Soup: Eat or Pass?**
### What is White Bean and Ham Hock Soup?
White Bean and Ham Hock Soup is a savory, filling dish made by simmering dried white beans (usually Great Northern or navy beans) with a flavorful ham hock, vegetables, and seasonings. The ham hock—essentially a pig’s leg or part of the leg—gives the soup a deep, smoky flavor that infuses the beans and broth. The soup is typically slow-cooked, allowing the beans to absorb all the flavors, creating a thick, hearty, and satisfying meal.
If you’re intrigued by this dish, here’s what you’ll need to make your own batch of White Bean and Ham Hock Soup:
**For the Soup:**
– 1 lb dried white beans (Great Northern or navy beans work best)
– 1 ham hock (or a ham bone if you have it leftover)
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– Salt to taste (be cautious, as the ham hock is already salty)
– 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)