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Beans Cooked with Ham Hock

Beans Cooked with Ham Hock
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Beans Cooked with Ham Hock is a hearty, soul-satisfying dish that combines tender beans infused with the rich, smoky flavor of ham hock. This comforting classic is easy to prepare using simple pantry staples and offers a nutritious, filling meal perfect for family dinners or cozy weekday suppers. The one-pot method ensures minimal cleanup while delivering bold flavors and a warming experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound dry white beans (pinto, navy, or great northern)
  • 1 ham hock (smoked)
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil (vegetable or olive oil)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beans: Sort and rinse the dry beans thoroughly to remove any debris. For best results, soak them overnight in cold water or use a quick soak method by boiling them briefly and letting them sit for one hour to soften and reduce cooking time.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing gently until fragrant and translucent to build a savory flavor base.
  3. Combine and Cook: Add the soaked beans to the pot along with the ham hock, bay leaves, and broth. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer gently. Let the beans cook until they are tender and creamy, about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on bean type and soaking method.
  4. Season and Finish: Once the beans are soft and infused with smoky flavor, remove the ham hock and shred any meat from it. Return the meat to the pot, season with salt and pepper, and stir well. Let the dish simmer for a few more minutes to meld the flavors perfectly before serving.

Notes

  • Soaking beans enhances digestibility and shortens cooking time; don’t skip unless using quick-cook varieties.
  • Skim off any foam that forms on the surface during boiling for a clearer broth.
  • Simmer on low heat to deepen flavors and maintain tender beans without breaking them apart.
  • Add salt toward the end of cooking to prevent beans from toughening.
  • Enhance smokiness by adding a small piece of smoked bacon or a dash of smoked paprika along with the ham hock.

Nutrition

Keywords: beans cooked with ham hock, smoked ham hock beans, southern beans recipe, comfort food, one pot meal, hearty bean stew

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