Ingredients: |
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 pound ham steak, patted dry and diced 1 onion, chopped 3 carrots, peeled and chopped 2 celery ribs, chopped 6 garlic cloves, minced 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth 6 cups water 2 smoked ham hocks 1 pound dried navy beans, soaked overnight (see note) 2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme leaves ½ teaspoon pepper 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
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Directions: |
Directions:BEFORE YOU BEGIN
To speed up their cooking time, soak the beans in cold water for at least 8 hours (or up to 24 hours) before cooking.
INSTRUCTIONS
Heat oil in Dutch oven over medium heat until just smoking. Add diced ham and cook until browned, about 3 minutes. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 8 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in broth, water, hocks, and beans. Bring to boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until beans are completely tender and soup is slightly thickened, 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours.
Remove hocks from pot. (If desired, let cool 5 minutes, then shred meat and add to soup.) Stir in thyme, pepper, and vinegar. Serve.
Make Ahead: This soup can be refrigerated for several days, but the beans will continue to soak up liquid. If the soup becomes too thick, stir in 1/4 cup water at a time until the consistency is to your liking. Simmer the soup over medium-low heat until it's hot. Serve. |