Ham and beans

Here’s a classic Ham and Beans recipe — hearty, comforting, and perfect for a simple family meal. 🍲🥓

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🥘 Ingredients (serves 6–8)

• 1 lb (450g) dried navy beans or great northern beans

• 1–2 cups cooked ham, diced (or ham hock)

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2–3 carrots, diced (optional)

• 2 celery stalks, diced (optional)

• 6 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth

• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or parsley

• 1 bay leaf

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🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare beans:

   • Sort and rinse beans. Optional: soak beans overnight in water for 6–8 hours for faster cooking. Drain before using.

2. Cook aromatics:

   • In a large pot, sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in a little oil until softened (about 5 minutes).

3. Add beans and ham:

   • Add beans, ham or ham hock, water or broth, bay leaf, and thyme.

4. Simmer:

   • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5–2 hours (or 45–60 minutes if using pre-soaked beans), until beans are tender. Stir occasionally.

5. Season and serve:

   • Remove bay leaf. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

   • Serve hot with cornbread, rice, or crusty bread.

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✅ Tips:

• Using a ham hock instead of diced ham gives extra smoky flavor.

• For creamier beans, mash a few beans against the side of the pot and stir in.

• Slow-cooker version: cook all ingredients on LOW for 6–8 hours.

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I can also give you a Southern-style sweet-and-smoky version that uses brown sugar and molasses for a richer flavor. Do you want that recipe?