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Beans Cooked with Ham Hock

Beans Cooked with Ham Hock

Savor rich, comforting flavors with this easy Beans Cooked with Ham Hock recipe. This hearty dish features tender beans slowly simmered with smoky ham hock and fresh aromatics, creating a warm, nourishing meal perfect for any day. With simple ingredients and deep flavors, it’s a satisfying comfort food that’s high in protein and fiber, suitable as a main or side dish.

  • Total Time: 10 hours
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Beans and Meat

  • 1 lb dried navy, great northern, or cannellini beans
  • 1 ham hock (about 1 to 1.5 lbs)

Aromatics and Vegetables

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced

Seasonings and Liquids

  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 6 to 8 cups water or chicken/vegetable broth

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beans: Rinse your dried beans thoroughly and soak them in cold water overnight. This softens the beans, ensuring even cooking and reducing cooking time.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until soft and fragrant to build a flavorful base.
  3. Add Ham Hock and Beans: Drain the soaked beans and add them to the pot along with the ham hock. Pour in enough water or broth to cover by at least two inches.
  4. Season and Simmer: Add bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Partially cover and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, until beans are tender and ham hock meat is falling off the bone.
  5. Remove Ham Hock and Shred: Carefully remove the ham hock from the pot. Shred the meat away from the bone, discard the bone and skin, and return the shredded meat to the beans, stirring well.
  6. Final Simmer: Cook uncovered for another 10-15 minutes to thicken the broth slightly and blend flavors fully before serving.

Notes

  • Soak beans overnight to speed up cooking and improve digestion.
  • Use broth instead of water for deeper flavor.
  • Skim foam during boiling to keep broth clear.
  • Add salt toward the end of cooking to avoid toughening beans.
  • Maintain a low simmer rather than a rolling boil for best texture.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 8 hours (including soaking)
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American Southern
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 10g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: beans, ham hock, comfort food, slow cooked, smoky, high protein, high fiber, gluten free, hearty meal