Ham Beans
Hearty and comforting ham and navy bean stew with rich flavors, perfect for chilly days or family dinners. Versatile and satisfying, ideal for all bean lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak navy beans in water to cover overnight.
- Rinse the soaked beans and put them into a crock-pot or other pan along with the ham bone and chopped onions.
- Optionally, add chopped celery and carrots for extra flavor.
- Simmer covered in a crock-pot on medium for 6 to 8 hours, or cook on the stove for a shorter time until beans are soft.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped raw onions and accompanied by cornbread.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Ham Beans, consider adding a bay leaf during cooking. If you don't have navy beans, great substitutions include pinto or black beans. For a heartier dish, feel free to mix in chopped celery and carrots as mentioned in the optional step. Also, ensure to soak the beans overnight to achieve optimal tenderness. This dish pairs well with cornbread for a fulfilling meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Ham Beans hot, garnished with chopped raw onions for a fresh crunch. They pair wonderfully with cornbread for a comforting meal. Consider serving a side salad, like Texas Pea Salad, to add some freshness to your dinner. For a complete spread, offer some pickles or coleslaw to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm the Ham Beans on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to restore the desired consistency. They can also be reheated in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham Beans contains roughly 136 calories, with 7g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of protein (13% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 847mg per serving (37% 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 dried beans instead of soaked beans?
Yes, you can use dried beans without soaking them; however, the cooking time will increase significantly. If you choose this method, make sure to rinse and sort the dried beans before adding them to your pot, and allow for a longer simmer time until the beans are tender.
What can I substitute for the ham bone?
If you don’t have a ham bone, you can use diced ham or smoked sausage for a similar flavor profile. Alternatively, for a vegetarian option, try adding smoked paprika and liquid smoke to achieve a depth of flavor without the meat.
Can I make this recipe in a pressure cooker?
Absolutely! To make Ham Beans in a pressure cooker, skip the soaking step and combine all ingredients with the appropriate amount of water. Cook on high pressure for about 25-30 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for best results, and enjoy a quick meal with minimal prep time.
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).