Bean and Ham Hock Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 pound dried white beans (such as navy, cannellini, or great northern beans)
- 2 smoked ham hocks
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth (or water)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra smokiness)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (optional, for a hint of acidity)
