Hearty Navy Bean and Ham Hock Soup

🍲 Hearty Navy Bean and Ham Hock Soup

A warm, comforting soup packed with beans, ham hock, and veggies — perfect for chilly nights! 🥕🧅🥩

Ingredients

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 lb navy beans (soaked overnight or quick-soaked)
• 1 smoked ham hock
• 8 cups chicken broth or water
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, sauté onion, celery, carrots, and garlic until softened.
2. Add Beans & Ham Hock: Stir in soaked beans, ham hock, and broth.
3. Season: Add bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2–3 hours until beans are tender and ham falls off the bone.
5. Shred Ham: Remove ham hock, shred meat, and return it to the pot.
6. Serve: Adjust seasoning and serve hot with crusty bread. 🥖

⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes • 🔥 Cook Time: 3 hours • 🍽️ Servings: 6–8