HEARTY BEAN & HAM HOCK SOUP: The Ultimate Comfort Food That Simmers Itself!

Absolutely! Here’s a cozy and appetizing article for your recipe:

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# 🍲 Hearty Bean & Ham Hock Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food That Simmers Itself!

When the weather cools down and your soul needs warming up, there’s nothing quite like a **steaming bowl of bean and ham hock soup**. Rich, smoky, and packed with slow-simmered flavor, this classic dish is the definition of **comfort food** — rustic, filling, and effortlessly nourishing.

The best part? It’s a true **set-it-and-forget-it** meal. Whether on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, this soup **practically cooks itself**, making your home smell like a cozy country kitchen.

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## 🥣 What Makes This Soup So Special?

The magic lies in the **ham hock** — a cut from the lower leg of the pig that’s loaded with **collagen, meat, and deep smoky flavor**. When simmered slowly with beans, aromatics, and herbs, the result is a **rich, velvety broth** with tender chunks of meat and melt-in-your-mouth beans.

It’s the kind of soup that tastes like it’s been passed down through generations — and once you try it, you’ll understand why.

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## 🛒 Ingredients:

* 1 lb **dried beans** (navy, great northern, or a 15-bean mix)
* 1–2 **smoked ham hocks**
* 1 **onion**, chopped
* 2 **carrots**, diced
* 2 **celery stalks**, diced
* 3 cloves **garlic**, minced
* 1 **bay leaf**
* 1 tsp **dried thyme** (or a few fresh sprigs)
* Salt & pepper to taste
* 6–8 cups **chicken broth** or water (or a mix)
* Optional: A splash of **apple cider vinegar** or hot sauce before serving

💡 *Shortcut:* Use canned beans if you’re short on time — just reduce simmering time and adjust liquid as needed.