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### Instructions
**Step 1: Prep the Beans**
Start by sorting through the dried beans to remove any debris or small stones. Rinse them under cold water. If you want to reduce the cooking time, you can soak the beans overnight in water, but this step is optional.
**Step 2: Sauté the Veggies**
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onions turn translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
**Step 3: Add the Ham Hock and Broth**
Once the vegetables are softened, add the ham hock to the pot, followed by the rinsed beans. Pour in the chicken broth (or water), making sure the ingredients are covered by liquid. Add the bay leaf, thyme, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine.
**Step 4: Simmer the Soup**
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beans are tender and the meat from the ham hock starts to fall off the bone. You can check the beans occasionally and add more water or broth if needed to maintain the liquid level.
**Step 5: Shred the Ham**
Once the ham is tender, remove the ham hock from the soup. Let it cool slightly, then shred the meat off the bone, discarding any fat or skin. Return the shredded ham to the soup and stir to incorporate. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
**Step 6: Serve**
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve with crusty bread or cornbread for dipping, and enjoy the hearty, smoky flavors of this soul-warming soup.
### Is It Worth Making? Eat or Pass?
Now that we’ve covered the recipe, the big question is: **Should you eat or pass on White Bean and Ham Hock Soup?**
Here are the pros and cons to help you decide:
**Pros:**
1. **Hearty and Satisfying:** This soup is incredibly filling thanks to the beans and ham, making it an ideal meal for colder months or when you want something comforting.
2. **Great for Leftovers:** Like most soups, this one tastes even better the next day. The flavors continue to meld and develop, making it perfect for meal prep or a make-ahead dish.
3. **Budget-Friendly:** Ham hocks are typically inexpensive, and dried beans are cost-effective, making this a relatively affordable dish that yields a large amount of food.
4. **Full of Flavor:** The smoky, savory flavor of the ham hock infuses the soup, giving it a depth that makes it so much more than just a simple bean soup.
**Cons:**
1. **Long Cooking Time:** This soup requires a few hours of simmering to get the beans tender and the flavors fully developed. It’s not the quickest option if you’re in a rush.
2. **Ham Hock Availability:** While ham hocks are generally easy to find in most grocery stores, they may not be available everywhere, and not everyone likes the fatty, bony texture of the hock.
3. **Salty:** Because ham hocks are salty by nature, you have to be careful with how much salt you add to the soup. It can be easy to over-salt, so it may not be ideal for those watching their sodium intake.
### Final Verdict: Eat or Pass?
If you love rustic, slow-cooked dishes that are packed with flavor, **White Bean and Ham Hock Soup** is definitely worth making. The smoky ham, tender beans, and rich broth come together for a soul-satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly nights. It’s also versatile enough to adapt to your tastes by adjusting the seasonings or adding extra vegetables.
However, if you’re short on time, don’t have access to a ham hock, or are looking for something lighter, this might not be the best option for you. It’s a dish that requires patience and a love for hearty, comforting flavors.
So, **eat or pass**? If you’re craving a filling, flavorful soup and have the time to let it simmer, go ahead and make it—you won’t be disappointed!
**Enjoy your warm, comforting bowl of White Bean and Ham Hock Soup!**
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