Ahhh, classic comfort food territory 🫘🐖 Let’s do simple, soulful beans cooked with a ham hock—the kind that smells amazing all day.
Beans Cooked with Ham Hock
Ingredients
- 1 lb dried beans (pinto, navy, or Great Northern)
- 1 large smoked ham hock
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- ½–1 tsp black pepper
- 6–8 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- Salt (add at the end)
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika
Instructions
- Soak the beans
Soak overnight in plenty of water, then drain. (Quick soak works too.) - Start the pot
Add beans, ham hock, onion, garlic, bay leaf, pepper, and broth/water to a large pot. - Simmer low & slow
Bring to a boil, reduce to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook 2–3 hours. Stir occasionally. - Finish the ham
Remove the ham hock, shred the meat, discard bone/skin, and return meat to the pot. - Season & serve
Taste and add salt as needed. Simmer uncovered 10–15 minutes if you want thicker beans.
Optional upgrades
- Mash a cup of beans for creaminess
- Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or hot sauce at the end
- Toss in diced tomatoes or greens (collards/kale) for the last 15 minutes
Serve with cornbread, rice, or just a spoon straight from the bowl 😌
Want this slow cooker, Instant Pot, or Southern-style extra smoky?
