Hearty Navy Bean and Ham Hock Soup
Step 5: Season and Serve! 🍽️✨
- Taste the broth first, then season with salt and plenty of black pepper to your liking. (Smoked ham hocks carry a lot of natural salt, so always taste before adding more!)
- Ladle the hot, smoky soup into deep bowls and top with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for color.
💡 Southern Cook’s Pro-Tips for Success
- Check Your Beans: If your dry beans have been sitting in the pantry for a few years, they will take significantly longer to soften up (and sometimes won’t soften fully at all). Try to use a fresh bag for the best texture! 🫘⌛
- Leftovers are Better: Like most stews and chilis, this soup tastes even more incredible the next day after the flavors have spent a night blending together in the fridge. It thickens up beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep! ❄️🍯
