Ham Hock and White Bean Stew

Name: Ham Hock and White Bean Stew
Ingredients: 3 medium shallots, thinly sliced into rings; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; Kosher salt; 1/2 cup sour cream; 3 Tbsp. Dijon mustard; 1 1/2 tsp. honey; Freshly ground black pepper; 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil; 2 medium onions, halved through root ends; 2 heads of garlic, halved crosswise; 2 small carrots, trimmed, scrubbed; 1/2 cup dry white wine; 2 1/2 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)