Ham and Bean Soup is such a classic winter dish, and for good reason - it's DELICIOUS. Even better, it's simple to throw together, and actually super healthy. All you have to do is throw everything into a pot, let it simmer, and watch the magic happen.
Heat a large stock pot to a medium heat. Add butter. Once the butter melts, add onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon salty. Sweat veggies until slightly softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add flour, cook 1 minutes.
Add half of beans to a bowl. Use a fork to smash the beans. Add beans, bay leaves, thyme, remaining salt, and chicken stock, and ham hocks to the pot. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 45 mintues or until ham hock meat is easily taken off of the bone.
Remove the ham hock from the soup and shred meat from bone. Add back to the soup. Season with salt and pepper.