The other day I’d purchased some ham shanks. I wasn’t sure how ham shanks varied from ham hocks. My very unofficial analysis, done while I was eating this soup, is that ham shanks are meatier than ham hocks. I enjoyed them in this soup and plan to use ham shanks instead of ham hocks in the future.

Hearty Bean Soup

1 lb dried great northern beans
3 garlic cloves, peeled and sliced
1 large sweet onion, chopped coarsely
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 lb ham shanks (or ham hocks)
6 cups water or broth

The day before you cook the soup sort beans and soak in enough water to cover overnight. The next day rinse and drain the beans before placing them in the crock pot. Add everything else to the crock pot. Cook on low for about 8 hours.