Dry Beans With Ham Hock
A hearty, comforting dish of tender dried beans simmered with smoky ham hock, perfect for family dinners and cold weather, offering rich flavors and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pick and wash about 2 cups of dried beans of your choice.
- Place the beans and ham hock in a crock-pot.
- Add water about 2 inches above the beans in the pot.
- Cook on high for about 30 minutes, then reduce heat to low and cook for 4 to 6 hours, stirring at intervals and adding water as needed.
- Add salt to taste.
- Serve with cornbread.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, soak the beans overnight to reduce cooking time and enhance digestibility. If you don’t have ham hock, smoked turkey leg or bacon can be great substitutions for that smoky flavor. Adjust the salt carefully, as the ham hock will add its own saltiness to the dish. For a twist, add spices like cumin or paprika for extra depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the dry beans with ham hock alongside cornbread for a hearty meal. For added freshness, consider a side salad or coleslaw. These beans also pair beautifully with Tangy German Potato Salad, making it a perfect accompaniment for gatherings or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the beans cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water to prevent drying out and warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dry Beans With Ham Hock contains roughly 1 calories, with 0g protein and 0g carbohydrates. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1165mg per serving (51% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, you can use canned beans for a quicker preparation. If using canned beans, skip the soaking and reduce the cooking time significantly, as they only need to be heated through. Add them towards the end of the cooking process with the ham hock to infuse flavor.
How do I know when the beans are done cooking?
The beans are done when they are tender and creamy in texture, which typically takes 4 to 6 hours on low heat after the initial high setting. Start checking at the 4-hour mark; if they are still firm, continue cooking and check every 30 minutes.
What can I do with leftover beans?
Leftover beans can be repurposed in various dishes. They work wonderfully in soups, stews, or as a filling for burritos. You can also blend them into a bean dip or serve them over rice for a quick meal. Always ensure to adjust seasoning when repurposing.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).