Ham and Beans is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal. The savory flavor of the ham combined with the rich, creamy beans makes for a satisfying dish. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for making Ham and Beans from scratch:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb dried white beans (Great Northern or Navy beans work well)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ham (leftover ham, ham hock, or ham bone)
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, to balance the richness)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beans:
- Start by sorting through the dried beans to remove any debris or stones. Rinse them under cold water.
- Optional quick-soak method: Place the beans in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil for 2 minutes. Turn off the heat and let them sit for 1 hour, then drain and rinse.
- If you have time, soaking overnight in cold water can reduce cooking time, but it’s not necessary.
2. Cook the Aromatics:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
3. Add the Ham:
- Add your ham (whether leftover ham, a ham bone, or ham hock) to the pot. Stir it around with the onions and garlic for a minute or two to combine the flavors.
4. Add the Beans and Broth:
- Add the soaked beans to the pot along with the chicken broth or water. Bring everything to a simmer.
- Add the bay leaves, thyme, smoked paprika (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together.
5. Simmer the Beans:
- Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Let the beans simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until they’re tender and fully cooked. Stir occasionally and check the liquid level. Add more water or broth if needed to keep the beans covered.
- If you’re using a ham hock or bone, you can leave it in the pot while cooking, then remove it at the end to pull off any remaining ham. Be sure to discard any bones.
6. Finish and Adjust Seasoning:
- Once the beans are tender, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or a splash of apple cider vinegar for a slight tang.
- If you prefer a thicker broth, you can mash a portion of the beans with the back of a spoon or use an immersion blender briefly to thicken the soup.
7. Serve:
- Ladle the ham and beans into bowls and serve hot. Pair it with some warm cornbread or crusty bread for an extra comforting meal.
Tips:
- Ham Bone or Hock: If you use a ham bone or hock, it will add extra flavor to the beans. Make sure to remove it and shred any ham from the bone once the beans are done cooking.
- Leftover Ham: If using leftover ham, simply cut it into bite-sized pieces and add it at the beginning with the beans. This will make for a quicker version of the recipe.
- Spices: You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Enjoy!
This Ham and Beans recipe is a delicious, filling dish that’s perfect for a cold day or any time you need a comforting meal. It’s versatile, easy to make, and gets better the longer it sits. Would you like suggestions for side dishes or variations to make this even heartier?
