SOUTHERN BUTTER BEAN SOUP WITH SMOKED SAUSAGE

Southern Butter Bean Soup with Smoked Sausage image

Provided by Tammy Brownlow

Time 3h30m

Number Of Ingredients 12

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2 large smoked ham hocks
1 lb dry butter beans
1 medium onion, diced
1 medium bell pepper, diced
1 large jalapeno, with a slice down the middle
2 c chicken broth
1 pkg smoked sausage, diced
1/2 Tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp to 1 teaspoon salt to taste
1/2 tsp to 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper to taste
1/2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
3 clove garlic, minced

Steps:

1. In a large stock pot add 8 cups of water and the ham hocks. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat to medium low and simmer ham hocks for 2 hours.
2. To the pot add dry beans, onion, bell pepper, sugar, salt, pepper, jalapeno, garlic, and thyme. Simmer for another hour. Note - the jalapeno will add flavor without the soup being spicy.
3. Remove ham hocks and discard jalapeno. Add chicken broth and diced smoked sausage. Simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Remove ham from the ham hocks and return back to the soup pot.
5. Taste for seasoning and serve with your favorite bread. Corn bread is a favorite of ours.