Ham Hock and Lima Bean Soup

Delicious Ham Hock and Lima Bean Soup Recipe from the USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 3 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

Ham Hock and Lima Bean Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. The combination of smoky ham hock and creamy lima beans creates a rich and flavorful soup that is sure to warm you up from the inside out.

History

This recipe has its roots in traditional Southern cooking, where ham hocks are a popular ingredient in many dishes. Lima beans, also known as butter beans, are a staple in Southern cuisine and pair perfectly with the smoky flavor of the ham hock. This soup has been enjoyed for generations as a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

1 meaty ham hock
1 garlic clove
4 onions
salt
8 cups lima beans
3 celery stalks
3 carrots

How to prepare

Cover the ham hocks with water and add onions and garlic. Simmer until tender, approximately 2 hours.
Add celery and carrots during the last hour of cooking.
Once the ham is done, remove it from the pot and let it cool until it can be handled.
Remove the skin and bones from the ham and cut the meat into bite-size pieces.
Return the ham to the pot and add drained lima beans.
Cook uncovered for about an hour.
Taste and add salt if needed. The mixture should have a thick soup consistency.
If desired, add water to thin the mixture or mashed beans to thicken it.
Serve hot in individual bowls with hot cornbread.
Note: You can substitute three to five 16 oz (454 g) cans of large lima beans for the 4 to 8 cups of cooked beans.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes for a touch of acidity.
Stir in some chopped kale or spinach for added nutrition.
Use smoked turkey leg instead of ham hock for a lighter version of the soup.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to simmer the ham hock until it is tender to ensure that the meat is juicy and flavorful.

- Adding celery and carrots during the last hour of cooking will infuse the soup with even more delicious flavors.

- Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. Adding salt at the end will help to enhance the flavors of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the soup hot with a side of cornbread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the ham hock until tender to extract maximum flavor.

- Cook the soup uncovered to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use navy beans or cannellini beans instead of lima beans.

- Substitute smoked bacon for the ham hock for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

This soup can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve this soup with a side of cornbread or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Ham Hock and Lima Bean Soup contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Ham Hock and Lima Bean Soup contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Ham Hock and Lima Bean Soup contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Ham Hock and Lima Bean Soup contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is a good source of iron, potassium, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains pork and may not be suitable for those with pork allergies.

Summary

Ham Hock and Lima Bean Soup is a nutritious and filling meal that is rich in protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Ham Hock and Lima Bean Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this soup is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Ham Hock and Lima Bean Soup. It was a chilly autumn day, and I was visiting a quaint little farmhouse in the countryside. The smell of comforting, hearty soups wafted through the air, enticing me to explore the kitchen.

As I entered the cozy kitchen, I saw an elderly woman bustling about, her apron stained with the remnants of a delicious meal. She greeted me warmly and invited me to sit at the kitchen table while she finished preparing her soup. I watched in fascination as she deftly chopped vegetables, added seasonings, and tossed in a ham hock with a flourish.

Intrigued by the mouthwatering aroma that filled the room, I asked the woman about the recipe for her soup. She smiled knowingly and began to tell me the story behind the dish.

She explained that the recipe had been passed down through generations in her family, originating from her great-grandmother who had been a renowned cook in the area. The secret to the soup's rich and savory flavor, she revealed, lay in the slow simmering of the ham hock with the beans and vegetables, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly.

Captivated by her words, I asked if she would be willing to share the recipe with me. With a twinkle in her eye, she agreed, handing me a worn and tattered piece of paper with the ingredients and instructions scribbled on it.

Over the years, I have made the Ham Hock and Lima Bean Soup countless times, each batch evoking memories of that fateful day in the farmhouse kitchen. I have tweaked the recipe here and there, adding my own personal touches and experimenting with different herbs and spices, but the essence of the dish remains the same.

I have shared the recipe with friends and family, who have all raved about its delicious and comforting nature. It has become a staple in my culinary repertoire, a dish that I turn to time and time again when I want to warm both body and soul.

As I sit here now, stirring a pot of simmering soup on the stove, I can't help but feel grateful for that serendipitous encounter in the farmhouse kitchen all those years ago. The recipe for Ham Hock and Lima Bean Soup has become more than just a dish to me; it is a connection to my past, a link to the generations of cooks who came before me.

And as I take a taste of the fragrant broth, savoring the tender ham hock and creamy lima beans, I am reminded once again of the power of food to bring people together, to create lasting memories, and to nourish both body and soul. The recipe may have come from a stranger in a farmhouse kitchen, but it has woven itself into the fabric of my own culinary journey, enriching my life in ways I never could have imagined.