This rustic Cuban white bean soup is a heartfelt embrace in a bowl—richly flavored by slow-simmered ham hocks and salt pork, and brightened with garlic, cumin, and oregano. A testament to Caribbean simplicity, it transforms humble beans into a soul-soothing dish everyone will crave again and again.
Perfect for chilly evenings or relaxed weekend bowls, this soup celebrates long-simmered depth without fuss. With pantry staples and minimal prep, it’s a cozy, nourishing meal that brings warmth, flavor, and family-friendly appeal to your table.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 lb dried white beans (navy or Great Northern), soaked overnight
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2½ quarts water
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2 bay leaves
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6 oz salt pork
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2 smoked ham hocks
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¼ cup olive oil
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1 medium white onion, minced
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tsp dried oregano
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1 tsp ground cumin
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Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions:
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Drain and rinse beans. In a large Dutch oven, combine beans, water, bay leaves, salt pork, and ham hocks. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
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Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1½ hours.
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Remove and discard salt pork. Remove ham hocks, shred meat, and discard fat and bones; return meat to pot.
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In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until translucent, about 5 minutes.
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Stir sautéed aromatics into the soup. Add oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer 15 more minutes. Discard bay leaves before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour 45 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours
Kcal: 337 per serving | Servings: 6–8
Introduction to Cuban White Bean & Ham Hock Soup
Cuban White Bean & Ham Hock Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish rooted deeply in Caribbean tradition. It’s one of those recipes that tell a story of heritage, resourcefulness, and comfort. Drawing on simple pantry ingredients, like dried white beans, smoked ham hocks, and aromatic herbs, this soup delivers an incredibly rich and soul-warming experience. While Cuban cuisine often showcases bold flavors and tropical influences, this dish brings out a more rustic, slow-simmered essence that reflects the island’s rural cooking traditions.
What makes this soup particularly special is its ability to transform modest ingredients into something deeply nourishing and satisfying. It’s a true comfort food that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or even freezing for future cozy meals. Whether you’re familiar with Caribbean cooking or just beginning to explore global flavors, this dish is an easy entry point into Cuban culinary culture.
Cultural Origins and Significance
Cuban cuisine is a vibrant fusion of Spanish, African, and Caribbean culinary traditions, and this soup reflects that complexity in a subtle yet powerful way. In many Cuban households, beans are a staple source of protein and nutrition, often paired with rice in the classic dish known as congri or moros y cristianos. But soups and stews, like this one, are also common comfort meals made with love and care over long, slow simmers.
Ham hocks are traditionally used in many Afro-Caribbean recipes for their ability to impart intense flavor with minimal effort. They’re inexpensive, easy to find, and add a smoky richness to any pot they’re simmered in. The addition of oregano and cumin gives the soup its characteristic earthiness, tying together all the savory notes and deepening the flavor profile without overwhelming the beans’ natural creaminess.
Why This Soup is Perfect for Any Season
Though often served in cooler weather due to its hearty nature, Cuban White Bean Soup isn’t confined to winter. Its light but nourishing base makes it equally enjoyable in spring or fall, especially when paired with a crisp salad or crusty bread. In warm climates like Cuba’s, soups are enjoyed year-round — it’s about comfort, not just temperature.
Its versatility also makes it perfect for batch cooking. You can prepare a large pot and refrigerate or freeze portions, making weeknight dinners or last-minute meals incredibly simple. The flavors actually deepen and improve after a day or two, making leftovers just as satisfying — if not more so — than the original serving.
Texture and Flavor Profile
The key to this soup’s appeal is in its layered textures and deep, savory flavors. The white beans, once soaked and simmered, become tender and creamy without losing their shape. Smoked ham hocks infuse the broth with umami and smoky undertones, creating a bold yet balanced backdrop. Salt pork is often included to further enrich the soup, but it doesn’t overpower — rather, it supports the complexity of the dish.
Sautéed aromatics such as onion and garlic are essential to the base, gently sweetening the broth and adding depth. Cumin adds warmth and subtle spice, while oregano introduces an herbal note that cuts through the richness. When all of these elements are combined and slowly simmered together, the result is a soup that’s rich without being heavy, flavorful without being fussy.
Nutritional Value and Health Benefits
Aside from being delicious and comforting, Cuban White Bean & Ham Hock Soup is packed with nutrients. White beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, supporting digestion and helping maintain stable blood sugar levels. They’re also rich in essential vitamins and minerals such as folate, magnesium, and iron.
Ham hocks, though high in sodium, contribute protein and essential fats. When used in moderation and balanced with lots of beans and aromatics, they become a flavorful way to round out a meal. Garlic and onions are both known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, while olive oil adds heart-healthy fats.
This soup is naturally gluten-free and can be adapted to suit different dietary needs — for example, reducing the amount of salt pork or substituting turkey for ham hocks if you want a leaner alternative.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Traditionally, this soup is served with white rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth. A light salad of greens or a simple avocado and tomato side can provide contrast and brightness. For a fuller Cuban-inspired meal, consider serving the soup alongside fried plantains, pickled red onions, or a refreshing citrus slaw.
For beverages, this soup pairs beautifully with a crisp lager, a mojito, or even a chilled glass of white wine. The smoky and earthy flavors complement subtle sweetness or citrusy brightness, creating a full and satisfying dining experience.
Tips for Perfecting This Dish
Here are a few insider tips to help you make the most of this recipe:
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Soak your beans overnight: This not only shortens the cooking time but also improves their texture and digestibility.
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Simmer low and slow: The longer the soup simmers, the deeper the flavor. Ham hocks need time to release their smoky richness.
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Don’t skip the aromatics: Onion, garlic, oregano, and cumin aren’t just for fragrance—they build the essential base of flavor.
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Make it ahead: Like many soups, this one tastes even better the next day. Prepare it a day in advance and reheat gently.
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Customize to your taste: Add a splash of vinegar or lime juice for acidity, throw in chopped carrots or celery, or even spice it up with chili flakes for extra heat.
Storage and Leftovers
One of the best aspects of this soup is its storage potential. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Always allow the soup to cool completely before storing in airtight containers. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the consistency, as it thickens slightly when cooled.
Portioning the soup into single-serve containers can make it a go-to meal for busy days. Whether you’re planning a lunch for work or a quick dinner at home, having this soup ready to go ensures you’re never too far from a wholesome meal.
A Dish Full of Story and Soul
What sets this soup apart isn’t just its rich flavor or nourishing ingredients — it’s the soul behind it. Cuban White Bean & Ham Hock Soup tells the story of island life, where ingredients are used wisely, meals are made to be shared, and food brings people together. It’s a dish that honors tradition while still feeling relevant and adaptable to modern tastes.
There’s a kind of magic in how such a humble combination of beans and pork can come together to create something deeply satisfying. It invites slow, thoughtful eating and encourages connection around the dinner table. Whether enjoyed solo with a good book or at a bustling family table, this soup delivers both comfort and culture in every spoonful.
Conclusion
Cuban White Bean & Ham Hock Soup is more than just a warm meal — it’s a tribute to resourceful, flavorful cooking that’s been passed down through generations. With its smoky undertones, creamy beans, and deeply aromatic broth, it stands as a proud representation of Cuban home cooking.
Ideal for any season and endlessly customizable, it offers a nourishing and budget-friendly way to bring tradition to your kitchen. Whether you’re looking to explore Cuban flavors or simply need a comforting dish to serve your loved ones, this soup checks every box. It’s rustic, soulful, and unforgettable — the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again.