Old Fashioned Butter Beans Ham
Savor the comforting flavors of the South with this Old Fashioned Butter Beans Ham recipe, a hearty dish brimming with rustic charm and soul-soothing goodness. Featuring tender dry butter beans (large lima beans) simmered to perfection in a rich broth infused with smoky ham hock or diced ham, aromatic vegetables, and a hint of garlic, this slow-cooked classic is as nourishing as it is delicious. A touch of unsalted butter and a fragrant bay leaf elevate the dish, while freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness when served. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings, this recipe is rich in protein, packed with Southern flavor, and pairs beautifully with cornbread or rice. Make it even better by soaking the beans overnight to achieve ultimate creaminess—the hallmark of true homemade comfort food.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound dry butter beans (large lima beans)
- 1 pound ham hock or diced ham
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 medium carrot, diced (optional)
- 6 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the butter beans under cold water, removing any debris or broken beans. Place them in a large bowl, cover with water, and soak overnight (or at least 6–8 hours). Drain and rinse before cooking.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, carrot (if using), and garlic. Sauté for 4–5 minutes, or until the vegetables become soft and aromatic.
Add the ham hock (or diced ham) to the pot and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring to combine with the vegetables.
Pour in the chicken broth (or water) and add the drained butter beans to the pot. Stir in the bay leaf, salt, and black pepper.
Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the butter beans are tender and creamy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
If using a ham hock, remove it from the pot once the beans are finished cooking. Shred the meat from the bone and return the meat to the pot, discarding the bone.
Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more salt and pepper if necessary.
Serve warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy as a standalone meal or paired with cornbread or rice.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
433 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 13.0 g | 17% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.4 g | 27% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 49 mg | 16% | |
| Sodium | 1898 mg | 83% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 53.2 g | 19% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.7 g | 56% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.0 g | ||
| Protein | 27.3 g | 55% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 99 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 6.7 mg | 37% | |
| Potassium | 1676 mg | 36% | |
*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.
