Old-Fashioned Vermont Beans
A hearty traditional Vermont bean dish featuring smoky ham hock and sweet maple syrup, perfect for comforting family meals and winter gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the yellow-eye beans and cover them with cold water.
- Add the baking soda to the beans and soak overnight.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, soak the yellow-eye beans overnight to ensure they cook evenly. If you can't find yellow-eye beans, navy beans make a good substitute. When cooking, adjust the amount of maple syrup based on your sweetness preference; it can add a rich flavor that complements the smoky ham hock. Don't forget to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Vermont beans warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. This dish pairs beautifully with Mock Cranberry Salad Or Applesauce Deluxe for a sweet contrast. For a complete meal, consider serving with crusty bread or alongside a protein like grilled chicken or a Covered Rump Roast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Vermont beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if they seem dry. Stir occasionally until heated through. They can also be enjoyed cold as a hearty salad.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old-Fashioned Vermont Beans contains roughly 3 calories, with 0g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2978mg per serving (129% 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 make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian by omitting the smoked ham hock. Instead, use vegetable broth for soaking the beans and consider adding smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness. This will still provide a delicious flavor profile without the meat.
How do I know when the beans are cooked?
The beans are cooked when they are tender and can be easily mashed between your fingers. Cooking times may vary based on the age and dryness of the beans, but they typically take 1.5 to 2 hours. Start checking for doneness after about 1 hour of simmering.
Can I freeze the leftover beans?
Absolutely! Allow the beans to cool completely, then portion them into freezer-safe containers or bags. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
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).