Recipe: Ham and Beans
Description: This hearty dish is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for those chilly nights when you crave something warm and satisfying. Pair it with hot buttered cornbread for the ultimate cozy meal experience.
Cook Time: 3 hours
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours and 15 minutes
Servings: N/A
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Dried navy beans |
| 6 cups | Water |
| 1 tbsp | Extra virgin olive oil |
| 2 | Onions |
| 1 | Carrot |
| 2 cloves | Garlic |
| 6 cups | Water (for cooking) |
| 1 | Bay leaf |
| 1 | Ham bone |
| To taste | Salt and pepper |
Instructions:
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Prepare the Beans: Start by washing and picking over the dried navy beans to remove any debris or impurities. Place the beans in a large stockpot and cover them with water. Allow them to soak overnight for best results. Alternatively, if you’re short on time, you can use your crockpot on high heat and monitor the water level, which typically takes around 3 hours to achieve the same effect. Once soaked, drain the beans, rinse them thoroughly, and drain them again.
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in the stockpot over medium-high heat. Add finely chopped onions, diced carrots, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions become translucent and tender, which usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the soaked beans, cooking water, and a bay leaf to the pot. Slowly bring the mixture to a full boil.
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Simmer: Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let the beans cook for approximately 1 hour, allowing them to soften and absorb the flavors.
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Add Ham Bone: After an hour of simmering, introduce the ham bone to the pot, ensuring it’s fully submerged in the liquid. This step adds a rich, savory flavor to the dish.
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Continue Simmering: Recover the pot and allow the beans to simmer for an additional 2 hours. Keep an eye on the water level to prevent the mixture from drying out.
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Remove and Shred Ham: Once the beans are tender and infused with flavor, remove the bay leaf from the pot and discard it. Retrieve the ham bone and carefully cut away any remaining meat. Chop the ham into bite-sized pieces and return it to the pot, stirring gently to incorporate it into the beans.
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Season to Taste: Taste the beans and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding salt and pepper to enhance the flavors to your liking.
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Serve: Ladle the ham and beans into bowls and serve hot, accompanied by slices of hot buttered cornbread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Enjoy this comforting dish that’s sure to warm both body and soul on any cold evening! 🍲🌽
