Ham And Beans
A hearty and comforting dish featuring tender ham, flavorful beans, and split peas, perfect for family gatherings or comforting weeknight dinners with bold, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Crock-pot ham shanks for 24 hours on low.
- Remove shanks from the crock-pot, save and chill the stock.
- Remove fat from the stock.
- Add the remaining ingredients (beans, split peas, onions, garlic, Tabasco) to the stock in the crock-pot.
- Cook for 24 hours on low.
- Add the meat from the shank bones before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, soak the beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve texture. If you don't have ham shanks, you can substitute with diced ham or bacon for a similar flavor. Adjust the amount of garlic to your liking, and feel free to add spices like bay leaves or thyme for extra depth. This dish works well in winter, offering a hearty meal reminiscent of American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the ham and beans hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of black pepper. It pairs beautifully with Ranchy Potatoes or a crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth. For a well-rounded meal, consider serving alongside a side salad or some sautéed greens. This dish is perfect for gatherings and cold days.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. If the dish thickens in the fridge, add a splash of water or broth while reheating to restore the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham And Beans contains roughly 372 calories, with 9g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (52% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1064mg per serving (46% 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 dry beans?
Yes, you can substitute canned beans for dry beans. Use about 3 cans of each type of bean. Rinse and drain them before adding them to the stock. Reduce the cooking time to about 6-8 hours, as the canned beans are already cooked.
What can I serve with ham and beans?
Ham and beans pair well with cornbread, crusty bread, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it with pickled vegetables for a tangy contrast. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of roasted vegetables.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the ham shanks and use vegetable broth instead of the stock. You can add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the smoky flavor. Additionally, you can include more vegetables like carrots and celery for added nutrition.
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).