Ukrainian Bean Soup

Ukrainian Bean Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for cold winter days. This soup is made with a variety of vegetables, beans, and meat, making it a complete meal in itself. The key ingredient in this soup is the beans, which give it a rich and creamy texture.

To make Ukrainian Bean Soup, you will need the following ingredients:

- 1 pound of dried white beans
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 pound of smoked ham hocks
- 8 cups of water
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste

To start, rinse the beans and soak them overnight in a large pot of water. Drain the beans and set them aside. In a large soup pot, sauté the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until they are soft and fragrant. Add the ham hocks and cook for a few minutes until they are browned on all sides.
Add the beans, water, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 2 hours, or until the beans are tender and the soup is thick and creamy.
Once the soup is done, remove the ham hocks and shred the meat. Return the meat to the pot and discard the bones and fat. Serve the soup hot with crusty bread or crackers.
Ukrainian Bean Soup is a delicious and filling dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is a type of soup and its main ingredients are white beans, smoked ham hocks, and vegetables. This soup has a creamy texture and a rich, savory flavor that will warm you up from the inside out. Try making this soup today and enjoy a taste of Ukraine in your own home!