YaYa’s French Market Soup
French Market Soup is a warm, hearty dish made with a mix of dried beans, a smoky ham hock, and simple vegetables simmered slowly in a rich tomato broth. This Southern classic is perfect for cool days and even better the next day. It’s easy to make ahead, budget-friendly, and full of comforting flavor the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried beans a mix of 5 or 6 varieties
- 2 quarts water
- 1 ham hock
- 1¼ teaspoons salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 16 oz can chopped tomatoes, undrained
- 1 large onion chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 chili pepper chopped
- ¼ cup lemon juice
Instructions
- Wash beans thoroughly. Cover with water and soak overnight.
- Drain beans. In a large Dutch oven, add soaked beans, 2 quarts water, ham hock, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Lower heat and simmer gently for 1 to 1½ hours, or until beans are tender.
- Add tomatoes (with juice), onion, garlic, and chili pepper. Simmer for another 30 minutes.
- Remove ham hock, chop the meat, and return to the soup.
- Stir in lemon juice just before serving. Serve hot.
Yaya’s Tips for Success
This soup is all about slow simmering and flavor layering. You can’t rush it. Starting with a good mix of dried beans will make a world of difference, and soaking them overnight helps them cook evenly and makes them easier to digest.
- Use a quality ham hock with plenty of meat on it for maximum flavor.
- Soak your beans overnight in a large bowl covered with water to soften them and shorten cook time.
- If you’re in a hurry, a pressure cooker or Instant Pot could shave off cook time; but the stovetop method offers the richest taste.
- Taste and adjust salt after adding ham, as cured meats can vary in saltiness.
- Serve with cornbread or crusty bread for a hearty, filling meal.
Yaya’s Customization Ideas
One of my favorite things about this soup is how flexible it is.
- You can use whatever combination of beans you have on hand, and the spice level can easily be adjusted. If you like it hot, use a jalapeño or even a serrano. If not, go with a mild chili or leave it out altogether.
- You can also switch the ham hock for smoked turkey leg or even leftover smoked pork from a barbecue.
If you’re lookin’ for another warm and cozy dish with beans, try my Navy Bean Soup or the ever-popular Ground Beef Ramen Bowls for a different twist.
Yaya’s Original Recipe Card
