White Beans, Creole Style
Creamy creole-style white beans with smoked ham and spices, offering hearty comfort and bold flavors perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak the dried white navy beans for about 4 hours or overnight.
- Drain the beans and cover with water; bring to a boil, then simmer for about 30 minutes.
- While beans are simmering, cut the smoked ham from the ham bone and chop the onion.
- Brown the chopped onion and ham together in cooking oil slowly.
- Add 2 cups of water and the chopped green onions; simmer the mixture.
- Drain the partially cooked beans after 30 minutes of simmering.
- Add the onion and ham mixture to the beans.
- Add enough water to cover the beans, then season with salt, pepper, and dash of Tabasco sauce.
- Simmer the mixture slowly until the beans are tender, about 1 hour, adding the ham bone with the beans when seasoning.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a bay leaf while simmering the beans. If you can't find navy beans, great northern beans are a good substitute. For a vegetarian option, replace the ham with smoked paprika and add a dash of liquid smoke. This dish is perfect for meal prep; just ensure to soak the beans properly overnight for optimal cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the White Beans, Creole Style alongside cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. Pair it with a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the dish. This recipe also pairs beautifully with Rosie'S Corn Chowder for a comforting dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm the beans on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen them up. They can also be reheated in the microwave for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of White Beans, Creole Style contains roughly 172 calories, with 7g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (118% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1522mg per serving (66% 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?
Yes, you can use canned white beans for a quicker preparation. If using canned, skip the soaking and boiling steps and add the beans directly after sautéing the onion and ham, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, add more Tabasco sauce or incorporate diced jalapeños during the cooking process. Additionally, consider using a spicier smoked ham or adding a teaspoon of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
What can I serve with these beans?
These beans are versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. They go well with crusty bread, collard greens, or even as a filling in tacos. For a complete meal, consider pairing them with Pork recipes or a hearty stew.
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).