This is the perfect soup for a cozy winter dinner! I've never used ham hocks before, and I was a little skeptical, but they added wonderful flavor to the soup. They did not, on the other hand, provide any real meat. But the soup didn't need it--it was perfectly filling as it was.
If you do use ham hocks in your soup, according to the directions I read, you need to clean them first. Why? I have no idea but I followed the instructions: scrub the ham hocks, put them in a pan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, boil for one minute and then remove. Rinse thoroughly with cold water.
Ingredients:
1 lb. navy or great Northern beans
1 or 2 ham hocks (approximately one pound)
2 carrots, sliced
1 large onion, chopped
olive oil
6 cups water or combination of water and chicken stock
bundle of parsley
salt and pepper to taste
Prepare ham hocks.
Rinse beans in colander under running water. Remove any pebbles or debris.
Add beans, ham hocks, water and/or chicken broth (I used half of each), the bundle of parsley. Add salt and pepper to taste (I prefer to salt after cooking and tasting.)
Cover and simmer for approximately two hours or until beans are tender.
To cook in slow cooker: add to slow cooker and cook on low for approximately 8 hours until the beans are tender.
If a thicker soup is desired, remove about one cup of beans and mash or puree with blender or food processor and return to pan. Stir well and enjoy!
Love your soup bowl cozy.....I made them for Christmas gifts this past Christmas!!!
ReplyDeleteHam and Bean soup is always amazing. Yum!!!
I don't sew but I showed one to my sister-in-law and she made me some!
DeleteAre they essentially an over-sized pot holder that the bowl sits in?
DeleteThis recipe sounds wonderful. Thank you. I love your bowl cozy. I made a bunch one Christmas. LOL They were so pretty and so addictive to make.
ReplyDeletequilting lady 2 at comcast dot net
My sister-in-law made them for me. I love them! I often eat lunch at my desk while I'm working and I can pick up the hot bowl without burning my hands!
DeleteSounds quite comforting and yummy.
ReplyDeleteJust right.
It's definitely soup weather here in Michigan!
DeleteThat's what a/c is for in south Florida! (Although we're having a cool spell at the moment.
DeleteSounds yummy, Peg! I've got the beans, just need some ham hock, and think I'll make it in the I.P. since I've had such good luck with it, esp. with beans! We're expecting another cold front and rain this week.
ReplyDeleteOh girl, those ham hocks do have some meat on them. You need to remove them after the soup is cooked and cut them open. There will be fat and skin, yes, and some bones, but there will be some nice meat too. Just chunk it up and add it to the beans.
ReplyDelete