Low-Fat Ham And Beans
A hearty, low-fat ham and beans dish packed with savory flavors, perfect for a nutritious, comforting meal suitable for family dinners or health-conscious eaters.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak the beans overnight in a large bowl of water.
- Drain the soaked beans and place them in a large crock-pot.
- Add the drained beans, fat-free chicken broth, pureed pinto beans with liquid, chopped onion, chopped turkey ham, and boiling water to the crock-pot.
- Cook on high for 5 to 6 hours, until the beans are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding minced garlic or a bay leaf while cooking. You can substitute other beans like black beans or kidney beans for variety. If you're short on time, using canned beans can speed up the process, but remember to reduce the cooking time. For a smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke. Pairing this dish with a side of crusty bread can elevate your meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Low-Fat Ham and Beans with a side salad or crusty whole-grain bread for a complete meal. This dish pairs beautifully with Marinated Potato And Mushroom Salad for a refreshing contrast. For those who enjoy a bit of spice, consider topping it with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or serving it alongside cornbread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave portions or warm them on the stovetop over medium heat. If the beans seem dry after refrigeration, add a splash of water or broth while reheating to restore moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Low-Fat Ham And Beans contains roughly 263 calories, with 7g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 745mg per serving (32% 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 canned for this recipe?
Yes, you can use dried beans. Just soak them overnight and boil them until tender before adding them to the crock-pot. This may require some adjustments in cooking time, but it will deepen the flavor of the dish.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the turkey ham and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can enhance the flavor by adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar taste profile.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, try incorporating diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce during cooking. Alternatively, you can serve it with a side of spicy salsa or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
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).