As the chilly winds begin to whistle through the trees, I find myself yearning for the hearty embrace of comfort food. That’s when I turn to my timeless recipe for Hearty Smoked Ham Hock and Bean Cabbage Soup, or Garbure, a rustic dish steeped in French tradition. This soup doesn’t just fill your belly; it fills your home with warmth and the inviting aroma of smoked ham mingling with tender white beans and seasonal vegetables. It’s incredibly nourishing and low-fat while remaining high in protein, making it a perfect choice for those cozy evenings in. So why not gather your loved ones around the table and serve up a bowl of this soul-soothing delight? What could be more comforting than sharing stories over a steaming pot of Garbure? Let’s dive in and discover how easy it is to create this delicious dish!

Why is Ham Hock and Bean Cabbage Soup amazing?

Comforting warmth: The rich, smoky flavor of ham hock perfectly complements the tenderness of white beans and vegetables, creating a dish that feels like a cozy hug.

Hearty and nourishing: Packed with protein and fiber, this soup satisfies hunger while keeping things low-fat, making it a fantastic option for health-conscious diners.

Easily customizable: You can swap in seasonal veggies or even add a splash of white wine for a personal touch; every pot can have its own unique twist.

Effortless and forgiving: Using just one pot, you’ll have a delicious meal with minimal cleanup, perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends.

Crowd-pleasing appeal: Ideal for gatherings, this Garbure invites family and friends to share laughter and stories, creating memorable moments around the dinner table.

Serve it alongside a simple salad or crusty bread for a complete meal—just like with my Chicken Ranch Macaroni, you can enjoy flavorful dishes made with love.

Ham Hock and Bean Cabbage Soup Ingredients

• Perfect for a wholesome, comforting meal!

For the Soup Base

Smoked Ham Hock – Provides deep, smoky flavor and tender meat; substitute with bacon for a similar depth.
Dried White Beans – Adds protein and fiber; soak overnight for the best texture, with options like Great Northern or Cannellini.
Water or Chicken Broth – Forms the soup base; choose broth for enhanced flavor.
Onion – Offers aromatic depth to the broth, enhancing overall flavor.
Garlic – Adds robust flavor and a delightful aroma.

For the Veggies

Carrots – Contributes natural sweetness and a pop of color.
Potatoes – Provides heartiness and helps thicken the soup.
Green Cabbage – Enhances rustic appeal and adds a slight hint of sweetness.
Leek – Delivers a mild onion-like flavor, enriching the soup.

For Seasoning and Flavor

Thyme – Infuses herbal notes, making the broth aromatic.
Bay Leaf – Adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning to taste.
Olive Oil – Used for sautéing aromatics, elevating the flavors.

With these simple yet magical ingredients, your Ham Hock and Bean Cabbage Soup will not only nourish your body but also warm your soul on those chilly nights. Gather everything you need, and let’s cook up some comfort!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Ham Hock and Bean Cabbage Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once shimmering, add chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced leek. Sauté for about 5–7 minutes or until the onions become translucent and fragrant, filling your kitchen with a comforting aroma. This step forms the flavorful base of your Ham Hock and Bean Cabbage Soup.

Step 2: Add the Ham Hock and Liquid
Next, stir in your smoked ham hock, ensuring it’s positioned in the center of the pot. Pour in enough water or chicken broth to cover the ham hock completely, then bring the mixture to a rolling boil. You’ll notice steam rising and the sound of bubbling; this indicates your soup base is beginning to form.

Step 3: Incorporate the Beans and Vegetables
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, then carefully stir in your soaked white beans, fresh thyme, bay leaf, sliced carrots, and diced potatoes. Allow everything to simmer gently for about 1 hour, with a lid slightly ajar. You’ll see the ingredients softening, and the broth will turn rich and hearty as flavors meld beautifully together in the Ham Hock and Bean Cabbage Soup.

Step 4: Shred the Ham Hock
After an hour, use tongs to remove the ham hock from the pot; let it rest on a cutting board. Once cool enough to handle, shred the tender meat using two forks, discarding any bones or excess fat. Return the shredded ham to the pot, stirring well to incorporate it back into the soup, enhancing its comforting texture.

Step 5: Add Cabbage and Final Simmer
Add the chopped green cabbage to the pot and increase the heat slightly. Cover the pot and continue to simmer for an additional 20–30 minutes, allowing the cabbage to soften and all the flavors to meld together. You’ll notice the vibrant color of the cabbage contrasting with the soup, making it even more inviting.

Step 6: Season and Serve
Once the vegetables are tender, taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the comforting Ham Hock and Bean Cabbage Soup into bowls and pair it with some crusty bread for a wholesome experience. Enjoy the heartwarming flavors and the joyful moments it brings around your table!

What to Serve with Hearty Smoked Ham Hock and Bean Cabbage Soup?

Indulging in a bowl of warm, hearty soup feels like a comforting embrace, especially when complemented by delightful sides.

Crusty French Bread: Perfect for dipping, this bread absorbs the smoky flavors beautifully and adds a satisfying crunch.
Fresh Arugula Salad: Tossed with a zingy vinaigrette, it offers a fresh contrast to the soup’s richness, balancing every bite.
Roasted Root Vegetables: Their natural sweetness enhances the savory profile of the soup while providing a warm, rustic touch.
Cheesy Garlic Toast: A buttery, cheesy delight adds decadent richness, making each spoonful of soup even more enjoyable.
Steamed Asparagus: Lightly seasoned, it brings a crisp texture to your plate, offering a fresh, earthy note that complements the soup.
Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc: A chilled glass pairs beautifully, enhancing the flavors of both the soup and your meal with its refreshing acidity.
Apple Crisp: Concluding with this warm, sweet dessert provides a lovely contrast to the savory nature of the Ham Hock and Bean Cabbage Soup.
Pickled Vegetables: Their tangy crunch brings a lively element to the meal, cutting through the richness while adding a burst of flavor.
Baked Sweet Potatoes: Their sweetness naturally complements the soup’s savory notes and encourages a comforting, wholesome dining experience.

Expert Tips for Ham Hock and Bean Cabbage Soup

Soak Your Beans: Always soak dried white beans overnight; this reduces cooking time and enhances their texture in the Ham Hock and Bean Cabbage Soup.
Simmering Time Matters: Don’t rush the simmering process! Allowing the ingredients to meld for at least an hour deepens the flavors, creating a richer soup.
Ham Hock Placement: Ensure the ham hock is submerged fully for maximum flavor extraction during cooking, avoiding any dry bits.
Adjust Seasonings Early: While tasting is important, add salt gradually, especially if using broth which may already contain sodium.
Add Cabbage Last: Stir in the chopped cabbage towards the end of cooking to maintain its vibrant color and slight crunch in the Ham Hock and Bean Cabbage Soup.
Store Wisely: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen. Gently reheat before serving to preserve the comforting texture.

How to Store and Freeze Ham Hock and Bean Cabbage Soup

Fridge: Store your Ham Hock and Bean Cabbage Soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure the soup has cooled completely before sealing to maintain its freshness.

Freezer: For longer shelf-life, freeze the soup in portions using freezer-safe containers, where it can last up to 3 months. Leave some space at the top as the soup may expand as it freezes.

Reheating: To enjoy your comforting soup again, thaw in the fridge overnight, then gently reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much during storage.

Airtight Containers: Using airtight containers will help preserve the flavors and texture of your Ham Hock and Bean Cabbage Soup, preventing freezer burn and maintaining its vibrant taste.

Ham Hock and Bean Cabbage Soup Variations

Feel free to explore your creativity and tailor this delicious soup to suit your taste buds!

Seasonal Veggies: Swap in vegetables like turnips or parsnips based on what’s fresh and available; it adds a personal touch.
Wine Twist: For a richer flavor, add a splash of white wine while cooking; it elevates the depth of flavors beautifully.
Spice Up: Incorporate red pepper flakes for a hint of heat, perfect for those who enjoy a little warmth in their soup.
Creamy Addition: Stir in a dollop of crème fraîche or sour cream just before serving for a creamy finish that’s simply divine.
Herb Infusion: Experiment with herbs like rosemary or parsley instead of thyme for a different herbal flavor profile.
Meat-Free Option: Use vegetable broth and skip the ham hock for a delicious vegetarian version; toss in some lentils for heartiness.
Cheesy Finish: Top with a sprinkle of grated cheese, like Gruyère or Parmesan, for a savory layer of flavor.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make a large batch and freeze portions for quick meals; it’s always comforting to have this soup ready to go!

These variations will surely keep mealtime exciting, just like my Garlic Butter Steak or Mushroom Soup Without. Feel free to mix and match to create your perfect bowl!

Make Ahead Options

For busy home cooks, this Hearty Smoked Ham Hock and Bean Cabbage Soup (Garbure) is an ideal recipe to make ahead of time! You can prepare the soup base (excluding the cabbage) and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. To maintain the soup’s quality, refrigerate in an airtight container and wait to add the cabbage until you are ready to serve. Simply reheat the soup gently on the stove and stir in the cabbage, cooking for an additional 20-30 minutes until tender. This way, you’ll enjoy a homemade, comforting meal with minimal effort, perfect for those chilly nights when time is precious!

Ham Hock and Bean Cabbage Soup Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right ham hock?
Absolutely! When selecting a ham hock, look for one that is well-marbled with fat, as this will ensure a rich, smoky flavor in your Ham Hock and Bean Cabbage Soup. The meat should appear moist rather than dry, and avoid any that have dark spots all over or a strong odor.

What’s the best way to store leftover soup?
Very! Cool your Ham Hock and Bean Cabbage Soup completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. To prevent spoilage, make sure the container is sealed tightly, and always label it with the date!

Can I freeze Ham Hock and Bean Cabbage Soup, and how?
Absolutely! To freeze, let your soup cool thoroughly, then ladle it into freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch of space at the top for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw your soup overnight in the fridge and gently reheat it on the stove, adding a bit of broth or water if it appears too thick.

What can I do if the soup is too salty?
Very! If you’ve accidentally over-salted your soup, don’t worry! Add diced potatoes or a handful of raw white beans to absorb some of the saltiness. Allow the soup to simmer for a bit longer until the potatoes are tender or the beans soften. You can also add more water or broth to dilute the flavor, just re-season to taste afterward.

Is this soup suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! The Ham Hock and Bean Cabbage Soup is low in fat and high in protein, making it a wholesome choice for many. However, be cautious with the ham hock if you’re accommodating those with pork allergies. You can alternatively use turkey hocks or a mixture of vegetables for an entirely vegetarian version, ensuring everyone’s needs are met.

Can pets eat this soup?
Not really! While the ingredients in Ham Hock and Bean Cabbage Soup are nutritious, it’s best to avoid serving it to pets because of potential salt, onion, and garlic content, which can be harmful to them. Always consult your veterinarian if you’re considering sharing any human food with your furry friends!