Virginia Stew
Virginia Stew is a hearty, smoky bean and ham dish with tender potatoes and corn, perfect for comforting gatherings and showcasing rich Southern flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the smoked ham hocks, soaked navy beans, diced potatoes, tomatoes, and chopped onions in 3 quarts of water for 1 hour.
- Add corn, sugar, butter, salt, and pepper to taste, then boil for an additional 20 minutes.
- Stir in 1 cup of milk before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider using smoked turkey legs as a substitute for ham hocks. If you want to add some heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper can enhance the flavor profile. Make sure to soak the navy beans overnight to ensure they cook evenly. You can also try adding some chopped bell peppers for extra color and sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Virginia Stew is hearty enough to be a meal on its own but pairs beautifully with crusty bread or cornbread for a complete dining experience. A fresh green salad can provide a nice contrast. For a comforting side, consider serving it alongside Mary Fox's Ham Loaf for a delightful Southern-inspired feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk if needed to loosen the stew. It can also be reheated in the microwave, but stir occasionally for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Virginia Stew contains roughly 678 calories, with 20g protein, 155g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (290% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (99% of the Daily Value), and protein (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 600mg per serving (26% 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 navy beans?
Yes, you can use canned navy beans to save time. Drain and rinse them, then add them to the stew about 20 minutes before it's finished cooking to heat through without becoming mushy.
What can I substitute for corn if I don’t have any?
If you don't have corn, you can substitute with frozen peas or even diced carrots for a similar sweetness and texture. Just add them in with the other ingredients during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
Is there a vegetarian version of Virginia Stew?
Absolutely! You can replace the ham hocks with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of water and add your favorite vegetables, such as carrots and celery, for a delicious vegetarian twist.
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).