Smoked Ham Hock Bean & Cabbage Soup

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. If you’re using dried beans, be sure to soak them overnight in plenty of water. This helps to soften them and reduce cooking time. Drain and rinse them before adding to the soup. If you’re using canned beans, simply drain and rinse them.
2. Chop the onion, carrots, celery, and cabbage, and set them aside.

Step 2: Brown the Ham Hocks

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil (or bacon fat) over medium heat.
2. Add the ham hocks and brown them on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. This will help release their smoky flavor into the broth. Once browned, remove the ham hocks from the pot and set them aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same pot, add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
2. Add the smoked paprika (if using) and thyme to the pot, stirring to combine with the vegetables. This will infuse the soup with additional depth of flavor.

Step 4: Add the Beans, Broth, and Ham Hocks

1. Return the ham hocks to the pot. If you’re using dried beans, add them to the pot now. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the beans and hocks are fully submerged. Stir everything together.
2. Add the bay leaves, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 to 1 ½ hours (or longer if you’re using dried beans) until the beans are tender and the ham hocks are falling off the bone.

Step 5: Add the Cabbage

1. Once the ham hocks are tender and the beans are cooked, carefully remove the ham hocks from the pot and set them aside to cool slightly.
2. Stir in the shredded cabbage and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cabbage is tender but still slightly crisp. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Shred the Ham and Serve

1. Once the ham hocks have cooled enough to handle, remove the meat from the bones, discarding any fat or bones. Shred or chop the ham into bite-sized pieces.
2. Return the shredded ham to the pot and stir it into the soup, allowing it to heat through for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

1. Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or cornbread for a complete, hearty meal.

Tips for Success:

• Use Leftover Ham: If you have leftover holiday ham or smoked ham, this is the perfect recipe to repurpose it. Simply chop up the ham and add it in place of the ham hocks, though you may miss out on some of the smokiness that the hocks provide.
• Adjust the Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, use less broth or mash some of the beans once they are tender to create a creamier base. For a thinner soup, feel free to add extra broth to reach your desired consistency.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or jalapeños if you like a little heat in your soup.
• Slow Cooker Option: For an even more hands-off approach, you can make this soup in the slow cooker. Simply sauté the vegetables, add everything to the slow cooker, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beans are tender and the ham hocks are falling off the bone.

Why Smoked Ham Hock Bean & Cabbage Soup is Perfect:

• Rich and Smoky Flavor: The combination of smoked ham hocks, beans, and vegetables creates a rich, smoky broth that’s deeply satisfying and comforting.
• Hearty and Nutritious: Full of protein, fiber, and vitamins from the beans, cabbage, and vegetables, this soup is a complete meal that nourishes your body and soul.
• Budget-Friendly: Using ingredients like dried beans and ham hocks makes this soup an affordable option that feeds a crowd. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover ham or vegetables.
• Great for Meal Prep: This soup stores well and actually gets better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. It’s perfect for leftovers or for batch cooking.

Conclusion:

Smoked Ham Hock Bean & Cabbage Soup is a hearty, flavorful, and comforting dish that’s perfect for cold weather or when you need a satisfying meal on a busy day. With its smoky ham, tender beans, and nutritious cabbage, this soup is a filling and wholesome meal in a bowl. Whether you’re making it for the family or preparing leftovers for later, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your soup rotation. Try it today and enjoy the comforting flavors of this deliciously rich soup!