Ham Hock and White Bean Stew

Name: Ham Hock and White Bean Stew
Ingredients: 3 medium shallots, thinly sliced into rings; ½ cup vegetable oil; Kosher salt; ½ cup sour cream; 3 Tbsp. Dijon mustard; 1½ tsp. honey; Freshly ground black pepper; 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil; 2 medium onions, peeled, halved through root ends; 2 heads of garlic, top third removed; 2 small carrots, trimmed, scrubbed, cut into bite-sized pieces; ½ cup dry white wine; 2½ lb. smoked ham hocks (about 4 medium); 1 bunch of thyme, stems tied together with kitchen twine; 2 cups corona or gigante beans, soaked overnight, drained; Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper; Chopped cornichons and/or dill sprigs (for serving; optional)