Slow Cooked Beans
Slow cooked beans with smoky ham hock offer rich flavors and tender texture, perfect for hearty comfort food suitable for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and drain the beans thoroughly.
- Place the beans in a crock-pot.
- Fill the crock-pot three-quarters full with water.
- Add the smoked ham hock to the beans in the crock-pot.
- Cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours.
- When the beans are almost done, season with salt and pepper.
- Stir occasionally while cooking to distribute flavors.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding diced onions, garlic, or bell peppers to the beans. If you don't have a smoked ham hock, a few slices of bacon or smoked sausage can work as substitutes. Cooking times may vary; check the beans for doneness at the 6-hour mark. Stirring occasionally helps meld the flavors, making it even more satisfying. This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy hearty American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the slow-cooked beans with crusty bread or cornbread for a complete meal. They pair beautifully with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced plate. Consider adding some hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream on top for an extra kick. These beans can also be a hearty side to dishes like Beef Burgundy Barbecue, making your meal even more delightful.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking. You can also freeze the beans for up to 3 months; just ensure they cool completely before transferring them to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Slow Cooked Beans contains roughly 92 calories, with 2g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 486mg per serving (21% 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 dried beans?
Yes, you can use canned beans to save time. However, you'll need to adjust the cooking time since canned beans are already cooked. Simply combine them with the ham hock and simmer on low for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld without overcooking the beans.
What can I add to enhance the flavor?
You can enhance the flavor by adding spices such as cumin, paprika, or bay leaves during cooking. Additionally, a splash of vinegar or Worcestershire sauce added near the end of cooking can give the beans a nice depth of flavor. Don't hesitate to experiment with different seasonings to suit your taste.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
This recipe is not vegetarian due to the smoked ham hock. However, you can easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth for cooking. Consider adding smoked paprika to achieve a similar smoky flavor, making it a delicious option for vegan recipes.
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).