Ham Hock Soup

Old fashioned soup my grandmother and parents always used to make in winter. Even better 2nd day in :) Easily converted to a casserole with thickening using gravy ;)

Ingredients

• 1 pack soup mix beans
• 1 ham hock or 2 bacon bones
• 250 g bacon chopped
• 4 stalks celery rough diced
• 2 large carrots rough diced
• 1 large onion rough dice
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2-3 cups diced veggies of choice (Parsnip, leek, corn, swede, cabbage etc)
• 1.5 ltr water or stock - enough to cover all ingredients and to top up whilst simmering
• salt to season
• pepper to season

1.  Rinse bean mix well according to packet. Ensure any little stones or twigs are removed.

2. Add all vegetables, beans and garlic to stock pot. Lay on top the ham hock or bacon bones and sprinkle over bacon pieces ensure there are no lumps on the bacon...
Cover with water or stock and ensure all ingredients are covered.

3. Simmer on low-med for 2-3 hours or until veggies and beans are cooked through. Remove hock and cut meat from the bones. Dice this meat evenly and return to the pot. Discard bones. Continue to simmer for a further 30 minutes, tasting and seasoning well.

4. Serve with crusty bread.

**Suitable for slow cooker.