Ham and Beans
Warm, hearty, and deeply satisfying, this classic Ham and Beans recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Packed with protein-rich great northern beans, tender chunks of ham, and the smoky richness of a ham hock, this dish brings soulful flavor to the table. A fragrant medley of onions, carrots, celery, and garlic enhances the broth, while aromatic bay leaf and thyme add depth to every spoonful. Simmered to perfection over a couple of hours, this one-pot meal is easy to make and even more rewarding to eat. Perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prepping, it serves up to six and pairs beautifully with cornbread or crusty bread. Whether you're searching for a hearty soup or a rustic Southern classic, this Ham and Beans recipe delivers on both taste and comfort.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried great northern beans
- 1 unit ham hock or smoked ham bone
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrot, diced
- 2 medium celery stalk, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 unit bay leaf
- 0.5 teaspoons dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the dried beans under cold water and remove any debris or damaged beans. Place the beans in a large bowl, cover with water, and soak for at least 8 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse before cooking.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the soaked and rinsed beans to the pot, along with the ham hock or smoked ham bone, diced ham, chicken broth, bay leaf, and dried thyme.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, partially covered, for about 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally and add more chicken broth or water as needed to keep the beans submerged.
Once the beans are soft, remove the ham hock or bone from the pot. Shred any meat from the bone and return the meat to the pot. Discard the bone and any excess fat.
Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Pair with cornbread or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2297 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 26.4 g | 34% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.8 g | 44% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 209 mg | 70% | |
| Sodium | 8703 mg | 378% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 316.4 g | 115% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 79.4 g | 284% | |
| Total Sugars | 27.7 g | ||
| Protein | 187.7 g | 375% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1035 mg | 80% | |
| Iron | 29.8 mg | 166% | |
| Potassium | 9037 mg | 192% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
