Ham Hock And Lima Beans
A hearty and flavorful ham hock and lima beans stew with vegetables, perfect for comforting family dinners and rich in smoky, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place lima beans in a large bowl and wash them well.
- Cover the beans with water and let stand overnight.
- Save the soaking water for later use.
- Drain the beans and place them in a large pot.
- Pour half of the soaking water over the beans and cook over low heat for over 15 minutes with the pot covered.
- While the beans are cooking, dice the onion, celery, and carrots.
- Add the diced vegetables, whole peppercorns, salt, and nutmeg to the beans.
- Let the mixture simmer for another 15 minutes.
- Wash the ham hocks and add them to the beans.
- Simmer the stew for about 1 hour until the ham hocks are well done.
- If necessary, add the remaining soaking water to the stew.
- Ensure the dish is not overseasoned and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Ham Hock and Lima Beans, consider adding a bay leaf or a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick. If you don’t have ham hocks, smoked turkey legs or bacon can be a great substitute. Ensure you soak the lima beans overnight to achieve the best texture and reduce cooking time. This dish can also be made in a slow cooker for convenience.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Ham Hock and Lima Beans with crusty bread or cornbread for a comforting meal. A side of sautéed greens or a simple salad can add freshness. This dish pairs beautifully with Spanish Rice Pronto, creating a hearty and satisfying spread. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the consistency. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham Hock And Lima Beans contains roughly 353 calories, with 5g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (95% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1829mg per serving (80% 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 fresh lima beans instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh lima beans, but you will need to adjust the cooking time as they cook faster than dried beans. Fresh beans typically take about 20-30 minutes to become tender, so add them after the ham hocks have simmered for a while.
What can I do if my stew is too salty?
If your Ham Hock and Lima Beans stew turns out too salty, you can add a few slices of raw potato to absorb some of the saltiness. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, then remove the potato slices before serving. Alternatively, adding more water can help dilute the salt.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, replace the ham hocks with smoked paprika for a similar smoky flavor and use vegetable broth instead of water for cooking the beans. You can also add in extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added depth.
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).