Ham and beans is a timeless comfort food that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for cooler days. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish offers a satisfying blend of smoky ham and tender beans simmered to perfection. If you’ve ever wondered how to make ham and beans, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from soaking the beans to simmering the perfect pot of goodness.
Why Ham and Beans?
Ham and beans is a dish rooted in tradition, known for its rich, smoky flavor and creamy texture. Using a ham bone or ham hock infuses the beans with savory depth, while vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions add natural sweetness and aroma. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and easy to prepare in a slow cooker or on the stovetop.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a simple list of ingredients for a classic ham and beans recipe:
– 1 pound dried white beans (navy, great northern, or cannellini beans work well)
– 1 ham bone, ham hock, or about 2 cups diced ham
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 carrots, peeled and diced
– 2 celery ribs, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
– 6 to 8 cups chicken stock or water
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
– 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– Optional: bay leaf, thyme, or a Parmesan rind for extra flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Soak the Beans
Start by rinsing your dried beans and soaking them in cold water for 6 to 8 hours or overnight. This helps soften the beans and reduces cooking time. If you’re short on time, some recipes skip soaking, but soaking generally yields creamier beans.
2. Prepare the Ham Broth
Place your ham bone or hock in a large pot or Dutch oven. Cover with water or chicken stock and bring to a boil. Then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 1 to 2 hours until the meat starts to separate from the bone. This creates a flavorful base for your beans.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
While the ham broth simmers, heat olive oil or butter in a separate pan over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until the onions become translucent and the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds if using.
4. Combine Beans and Broth
Drain the soaked beans and add them to the pot with the ham broth. Add the sautéed vegetables, along with seasonings like salt, pepper, bay leaf, and thyme if desired. Pour in enough chicken stock or water to cover the beans by about 2 inches.
5. Simmer Until Tender
Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently. Cook uncovered or partially covered for 2 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and creamy. Add more water if necessary to keep the beans submerged.
6. Finish with Ham Meat
Remove the ham bone or hock and bay leaf. Pick off any meat from the bone, dice it, and stir it back into the beans. If you have extra diced ham, add it now for a meatier dish. Let the beans rest for about 20 minutes to thicken the broth before serving.
Tips for Perfect Ham and Beans
– Use a ham bone or ham hock: This adds unbeatable smoky flavor. If you don’t have one, diced ham works fine but won’t be as rich.
– Don’t rush the simmer: Slow cooking allows flavors to meld and beans to soften perfectly.
– Add a Parmesan rind: Tossing in a rind while cooking adds subtle umami and depth.
– Serve with cornbread: Classic pairing that soaks up the delicious broth.
– Slow cooker option: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours for a hands-off approach.
Variations to Try
– Smoky White Beans and Ham: Use smoked ham hocks and add onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper for extra spice.
– Ham and Bean Soup: Add more broth for a soupier consistency and toss in herbs like rosemary and thyme.
– Vegetable Boost: Include diced potatoes, tomatoes, or greens like kale for added nutrition.
Why This Recipe Works
This ham and beans recipe balances smoky, savory, and sweet flavors with the creamy texture of slow-cooked beans. The combination of fresh vegetables and seasoned broth creates a comforting meal that’s easy to make and satisfying to eat. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to what you have on hand.
Enjoy your homemade ham and beans with a side of warm cornbread or crusty bread for a meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Ham and beans is a simple, soulful dish that’s easy to make and even easier to love. Give it a try and discover why it’s a classic for generations.