Old Fashioned Country Beans
Savor the comforting flavors of the South with this hearty Old Fashioned Country Beans recipe. Packed with tender pinto beans, smoky ham hock, and a medley of savory aromatics like onion, garlic, and bay leaf, this dish is slow-simmered to perfection for a rich, deeply satisfying taste. Sprinkled with just the right amount of paprika, black pepper, and a hint of optional hot sauce, these beans deliver a perfect balance of warmth and seasoning. Whether served solo or paired with cornbread, rice, or your favorite homestyle sides, this rustic, protein-packed meal is as nourishing as it is nostalgic. Ideal for cozy family dinners, this one-pot classic is effortless to prepare and brimming with old-school charm, perfect for anyone craving a taste of timeless Southern comfort food.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried pinto beans
- 1 large smoked ham hock
- 1 medium onion
- 4 pieces garlic cloves
- 8 cups water
- 1 piece bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 2 pieces green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
Sort and rinse the dried pinto beans thoroughly, discarding any debris or damaged beans.
Place the beans in a large bowl and cover with at least 2 inches of water. Soak the beans overnight, or for at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse before cooking.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the soaked beans, smoked ham hock, and 8 cups of water.
Peel and dice the onion, then peel and mince the garlic cloves. Add both to the pot along with the bay leaf.
Place the pot over medium heat and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 2 to 3 hours, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
As the beans cook, periodically check the water level. If it starts to get too low, add more hot water to keep the beans submerged.
Once the beans are tender, remove the ham hock from the pot. Shred the meat from the bone and return the meat to the beans, discarding the bone.
Season the beans with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir well and taste, adjusting the seasonings as needed. Optionally, add hot sauce for a little kick of spice.
Remove the bay leaf and discard. Serve the beans hot, garnished with thinly sliced green onions.
Enjoy this hearty dish on its own, or serve it alongside cornbread, rice, or your favorite comfort food sides.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
282 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 11.1 g | 14% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5 g | 18% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 53 mg | 18% | |
| Sodium | 1329 mg | 58% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 24.2 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.6 g | 27% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.5 g | ||
| Protein | 21.2 g | 42% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 93 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 2.5 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 621 mg | 13% | |
*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.
