2. Prepare the Ham Hocks

Rinse the smoked ham hocks under cold water to remove any excess salt. Pat them dry with a paper towel.


3. Sauté the Aromatics

  • Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  • Add a drizzle of olive oil or a small knob of butter.
  • Sauté the diced onion, carrots, and celery for 5-7 minutes until they soften.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

4. Add the Ham Hocks and Stock

  • Nestle the ham hocks into the pot among the sautéed vegetables.
  • Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock.
  • Add the bay leaf, smoked paprika, and dried thyme.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 1 hour.

5. Add the Beans

  • After the soup has simmered for an hour, add the soaked (and drained) beans to the pot.
  • Continue to simmer for another 1-1.5 hours, or until the beans are tender and the ham hocks are falling off the bone.

6. Shred the Ham

  • Once the ham hocks are tender, carefully remove them from the pot and place them on a cutting board.
  • Use a fork or your hands (once cooled slightly) to shred the meat, discarding the bones and excess fat.
  • Return the shredded ham to the pot.

7. Add the Cabbage

  • Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cabbage is tender but not mushy.
  • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper.

8. Serve and Garnish

  • Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
  • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
  • Serve with crusty bread or rolls for dipping.

Tips for Success

  1. Smoked Ham Hocks: These are the star of the dish, infusing the soup with a deep, smoky flavor. If unavailable, smoked turkey legs or bacon can be used as substitutes.
  2. Beans: Dried beans provide better texture and flavor, but canned beans are a quicker option.
  3. Cabbage Options: Green cabbage is traditional, but savoy or Napa cabbage can also work well.

Why Smoked Ham Hock Bean & Cabbage Soup?

This soup is a beautiful blend of humble ingredients and rich, smoky flavors. It’s hearty enough to be a meal on its own and versatile enough to adapt to your pantry staples. The long simmering process extracts every ounce of flavor from the ham hocks, creating a broth that is both nourishing and deeply satisfying.

Make a big pot of this Smoked Ham Hock Bean & Cabbage Soup, and enjoy the comforting flavors of home cooking that feed both body and soul.