The Instant Pot White Bean and Ham Hock Soup is the definition of a warm hug in a bowl. With tender white beans and savory, smoky ham hock, this soup brings together deep, slow-cooked flavor in a fraction of the time. It’s perfect for cozy nights, busy weekdays, or anytime you need a nourishing meal fast.
This dish is hearty enough to serve as a main course and pairs perfectly with crusty bread or a light green salad. The ham hock infuses the soup with incredible depth while the vegetables and herbs add comfort and nutrition. Make a big batch and enjoy the leftovers it tastes even better the next day.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb dried great northern white beans, soaked overnight or quick-soaked
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1 smoked ham hock (about 1 lb)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 medium onion, diced
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2 carrots, peeled and diced
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2 celery ribs, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 bay leaf
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1 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)
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6 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat olive oil. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened.
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Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
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Add soaked white beans, ham hock, bay leaf, thyme, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
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Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 40 minutes.
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Let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes before carefully releasing any remaining pressure.
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Remove the ham hock and shred the meat, discarding skin and bones. Return the shredded ham to the pot.
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Stir the soup, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot garnished with fresh parsley.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes + 15 min natural release | Total Time: 70 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
White Bean and Ham Hock Soup (Instant Pot Friendly) is a soul-warming, hearty dish rooted in comfort, nostalgia, and culinary tradition. This classic American comfort food brings together the smoky depth of ham hocks with the creamy texture of white beans to create a robust and flavorful soup. It’s a dish that spans generations and regional cuisines, from Southern kitchens to midwestern farmhouse tables. While traditionally a slow-simmered pot of goodness, modern home cooks can now replicate this magic much faster thanks to the efficiency of the Instant Pot.
A Soup Steeped in Tradition
Ham hock and bean soup has long been a staple in American cuisine, especially in the South and among communities that valued frugality and flavor in equal measure. Ham hocks are essentially the joint between a pig’s foot and leg a tough, collagen rich cut that, when simmered slowly, transforms into a rich, smoky, gelatinous broth full of body and umami. Historically, nothing went to waste in the kitchen, and this humble ingredient was a brilliant way to infuse brothy dishes with depth.
White beans, particularly great northern or cannellini beans, offer a creamy, mild backdrop that balances the smoky richness of the pork. Together, they create a marriage of flavors that is both filling and comforting. This soup is often served during colder months, after holiday feasts (especially when leftover ham bones are available), or simply as a means of feeding a crowd on a budget.
Why the Instant Pot is a Game Changer
Traditionally, making ham hock and white bean soup required hours of stovetop simmering or time in a slow cooker to adequately break down the connective tissue in the hock and cook the beans to tender perfection. The Instant Pot, however, revolutionizes this process.
Pressure cooking dramatically shortens the cooking time without compromising flavor or texture. In fact, because the pressure forces liquid into the food at higher temperatures, flavors meld and develop quickly meaning that your soup tastes like it’s been simmering all day even though it’s been cooking for under an hour. This makes the dish much more accessible to modern home cooks who might not have the luxury of slow cooking all day.
Nutritional Benefits and Hearty Satisfaction
This soup isn’t just delicious it’s also nutritious. White beans are high in fiber, which helps promote digestive health and keeps you feeling full longer. They are also a good source of protein, iron, and complex carbohydrates. Meanwhile, the ham hock, although rich, adds flavor in moderation. You can remove the excess fat or use leaner cuts if you’re health-conscious.
When prepared properly, this soup can be a well-balanced meal on its own. It’s gluten free, budget friendly, and can be adapted for different dietary needs. For instance, those looking to reduce sodium can soak the beans in advance and opt for unsalted broth. Some even like to remove the meat from the ham hock entirely and use only the broth for a leaner variation.
Customization and Variations
One of the best things about this soup is its versatility. While white beans and ham hock are the stars of the show, the supporting cast is entirely up to you. Common additions include:
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Vegetables: Diced carrots, celery, onions, and garlic are staples that add aromatics and depth. Greens like kale or spinach can be stirred in at the end for a nutritional boost.
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Herbs and Spices: Bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, or smoked paprika all add complexity. A touch of vinegar or lemon juice at the end can brighten up the flavors.
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Grains: Some people enjoy adding barley or farro to give the soup more body.
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Heat: For those who love spice, a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes adds a nice kick.
You can also puree part of the soup for a thicker, creamier consistency, or leave it brothy with distinguishable chunks of beans and meat. It’s an incredibly forgiving and adaptable recipe.
How to Serve White Bean and Ham Hock Soup
This soup is typically served warm with rustic bread or cornbread to soak up the flavorful broth. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or roasted root vegetables for a fuller meal. For a touch of acidity and crunch, garnish with chopped parsley, green onions, or even a spoonful of homemade relish.
Because it stores and reheats so well, this dish is ideal for meal prep. In fact, many cooks find that the flavor improves overnight as the ingredients continue to meld. Store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
Cooking Tips for Maximum Flavor
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Sear the Ham Hocks: If you have time, browning the ham hocks before pressure cooking can add even more flavor through caramelization.
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Deglaze the Pot: After sautéing vegetables or searing meat, use a bit of broth or wine to deglaze the pot and scrape up the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.
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Use Homemade Stock: While store-bought broth is convenient, homemade stock will elevate the soup further. If using store-bought, opt for a low-sodium variety to better control salt levels.
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Don’t Overdo the Salt: Ham hocks can be salty, especially if cured. It’s best to season the soup toward the end of the cooking process once all the flavors have been released.
Cultural Relevance and Comfort Food Appeal
White bean and ham hock soup is more than just sustenance it’s a cultural touchstone. It evokes memories of family dinners, chilly afternoons, and community potlucks. In many Southern kitchens, beans and ham were a sign of both resilience and resourcefulness. This dish represents a beautiful paradox: how something so simple and made from scraps can become deeply satisfying and luxurious in taste.
In contemporary food culture, where slow food and sustainability are once again gaining traction, recipes like this are being reappreciated for their economy and depth. The idea of transforming a tough cut and dry pantry staples into a gourmet-level comfort food speaks to the power of culinary creativity and tradition.
A Great Recipe for Any Skill Level
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just getting comfortable in the kitchen, this soup is approachable and rewarding. The Instant Pot makes the process practically foolproof, and the ingredients are forgiving. Even small changes to the recipe often yield delicious results, making it a great choice for experimentation or teaching new cooks the beauty of old school flavors.
Conclusion:
White Bean and Ham Hock Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a reflection of culinary heritage, practicality, and the transformative power of slow-simmered flavor made more convenient with modern kitchen tools like the Instant Pot. It’s comforting yet nutritious, economical yet impressive, and timeless in its appeal.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself on a quiet winter evening, preparing meals ahead for a busy week, or serving a warm bowl to loved ones, this soup promises warmth, nourishment, and a whole lot of flavor in every bite. Keep this dish in your culinary repertoire it’s sure to become a favorite, just as it has been for countless home cooks over generations.