Southern Beans
Comforting, hearty, and packed with smoky flavor, Southern Beans is a soul-warming dish that brings Southern cooking right to your kitchen. Made with tender pinto beans simmered low and slow alongside a smoked ham hock, onion, garlic, and aromatic spices like smoked paprika and bay leaf, this recipe captures the essence of traditional Southern cuisine. The addition of apple cider vinegar adds a delightful tang, balancing the richness of the broth. Perfect for cozy dinners, this one-pot meal becomes even better when served with cornbread or fluffy steamed rice. With its simple ingredients and robust flavors, Southern Beans is a timeless classic that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Keywords: Southern beans recipe, pinto beans with ham hock, Southern comfort food, smoky bean stew.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried pinto beans
- 1 whole smoked ham hock
- 1 large onion
- 3 whole garlic cloves
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 whole bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.25 teaspoons cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse and sort the dried pinto beans to remove any debris or damaged beans. Soak them in a large bowl of water overnight or for at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse before use.
In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, place the soaked and rinsed beans, smoked ham hock, and chicken broth. Add the water as needed to ensure the beans are fully covered by liquid.
Peel and roughly chop the onion. Smash the garlic cloves to release their flavors, but leave them whole. Add the onion, garlic cloves, and bay leaf to the pot.
Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow the beans to simmer gently for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
After the beans have softened, remove the lid and stir in the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Continue to simmer uncovered for an additional 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the broth to thicken.
Remove the ham hock from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, shred the meat from the bone and return it to the pot. Discard the bone and any excess fat.
Stir in the apple cider vinegar for a touch of tanginess. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with additional salt or pepper.
Serve the Southern beans hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. This dish pairs well with cornbread or steamed rice.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
280 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 10.9 g | 14% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5 g | 17% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 53 mg | 18% | |
| Sodium | 1817 mg | 79% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 21.8 g | 8% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.4 g | 23% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.0 g | ||
| Protein | 23.3 g | 47% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 84 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 3.0 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 777 mg | 17% | |
*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.
