Southern Butter Beans, also known as large lima beans, are a classic Southern dish that’s perfect for any meal. The rich and creamy broth, combined with smoky flavors from the ham hock, makes this dish unforgettable. Easy to prepare, it’s a comforting and hearty side dish that pairs perfectly with cornbread and other Southern favorites.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 3 thick-cut slices bacon, chopped
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, sliced
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 6 cups lower-sodium chicken stock (plus more as needed)
• 1 pound dried large lima beans
• 1 (14 ounce) smoked ham hock
• 2 fresh or dried bay leaves
• 2 thyme sprigs
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon sherry vinegar
• Thyme leaves, for garnish

Directions

1. Cook the Bacon and Vegetables: In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook until softened.
2. Prepare the Beans: Add the chicken stock, lima beans, ham hock, bay leaves, thyme sprigs, black pepper, and kosher salt to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
3. Simmer the Beans: Let the beans cook uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until tender. Add more chicken stock as needed to keep the beans covered with liquid during the cooking process.
4. Finish and Serve: Once the beans are tender, remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Stir in the sherry vinegar and taste for seasoning, adding salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 1815 kcal
• Fat: 42g
• Carbs: 203g
• Protein: 159g

The Rich Flavor of Smoked Ham Hock

The key to this soup’s rich flavor is the smoked ham hock. A ham hock is the lower portion of a pig’s leg, often left with the bone and skin intact. It’s an inexpensive cut that is packed with collagen, fat, and flavor. When simmered slowly in liquid, it imparts a smoky, meaty richness that enhances any soup or stew.

Using a smoked ham hock in this recipe creates a deliciously smoky broth that brings depth and complexity to the soup. As the ham hock cooks, the fat and collagen break down, infusing the liquid with an unmistakable savory goodness. For those unfamiliar with ham hocks, they are often used in Southern and soul food cooking, where they contribute a distinct smoky flavor to beans, greens, and other hearty dishes. The tender chunks of ham that remain after cooking provide small bites of meat that further enhance the soup’s heartiness.

The Creaminess of Lima Beans

Lima beans are the unsung heroes of many soups and stews, and they’re the perfect companion for smoked ham hock. Their creamy, starchy texture absorbs the flavors of the broth as they cook, making them ideal for soups that need a thick, comforting base. In this recipe, the lima beans slowly cook in the flavorful liquid, becoming tender and creamy without losing their shape.

Lima beans also add a wealth of nutritional benefits. They are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, iron, and potassium, making this soup not only delicious but also nourishing. The beans contribute to the soup’s heartiness, ensuring that it can serve as a satisfying, stand-alone meal.

Building the Flavor Profile

In addition to the ham hock and lima beans, the flavor profile of this soup is enriched with a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Bacon is the first to hit the pot, rendering its fat and infusing the dish with its savory, crispy goodness. Onions and garlic are sautéed in the bacon fat, creating a fragrant base that fills the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. The freshly ground black pepper adds a bit of spice and heat, while the bay leaves and thyme sprigs bring aromatic herbs that complement the smoky ham.

The choice of chicken stock further enhances the soup’s richness, creating a balanced broth that is neither too heavy nor too thin. The addition of sherry vinegar at the end of cooking provides a bright, tangy finish, cutting through the richness of the ham and beans while adding a layer of complexity to the flavor.

The Perfect Soup for Any Occasion

This Smoked Ham Hock and Lima Bean Soup is the perfect meal for any occasion. It’s easy to make, yet it’s packed with flavor, making it an excellent choice for family dinners, potlucks, or even as a make-ahead meal. The soup is hearty enough to serve on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a crusty loaf of bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

One of the great things about this soup is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can adjust the seasoning based on your tastes or dietary preferences. If you like your soup with a little extra kick, you can add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes. If you prefer a milder version, simply omit the black pepper or use a milder stock.

Because this soup benefits from long, slow cooking, it’s perfect for a weekend meal where you can let it simmer away on the stove, filling your home with delicious smells. The longer it sits, the more the flavors meld together, and the better it tastes.

Nutritional Benefits

In addition to its great taste, this soup offers numerous health benefits. Lima beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, making this soup both satisfying and filling. They help support digestive health and provide essential vitamins and minerals like folate, iron, and magnesium.

The smoked ham hock provides protein and flavor, and while it does contribute some fat, it also provides a rich taste that’s hard to replicate with other cuts of meat. The bacon, used sparingly, adds additional savory flavor while being balanced out by the vegetables and broth. The chicken stock provides a low-calorie base, and the use of sherry vinegar adds a tangy punch without additional calories.

Each serving of the soup is hearty and nutritious, with the right balance of protein, fiber, and flavor. This makes it a filling meal that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a side for a more substantial dinner.

Conclusion: A Bowl of Comfort

Smoked Ham Hock and Lima Bean Soup is a timeless, comforting dish that combines hearty beans, savory bacon, and smoky ham in a rich, flavorful broth. The combination of ingredients is simple yet packed with depth, creating a soup that’s satisfying and nourishing. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold winter’s night or serving it as part of a family meal, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

Its versatility and ease of preparation make it an ideal dish for busy cooks looking to create a hearty, comforting meal. And with its rich, smoky flavors and hearty texture, this Smoked Ham Hock and Lima Bean Soup is bound to please even the pickiest eaters. So, next time you’re in the mood for a bowl of something hearty and flavorful, give this recipe a try—it’s a meal that’s sure to satisfy.