Ham and beans is a classic dish known for its rich, hearty flavors, budget-friendly nature, and ease of preparation. Whether you’re cooking up leftovers from a holiday ham or starting fresh with a ham hock, this dish is sure to satisfy. This article will provide you with a detailed ham and beans recipe, covering ingredients, step-by-step instructions, nutrition facts, tips, and variations, helping you create the perfect meal every time.

Introduction: The Comfort of Ham and Beans

Ham and beans is a comforting dish that combines the smoky flavor of ham with the earthiness of beans. This dish has been a staple in many households for years because of its simplicity, delicious flavor, and ability to stretch ingredients. Whether made on the stovetop, in a crockpot, or with leftover ham, ham and beans are the ultimate hearty meal for any occasion.

While this dish can be customized with a variety of beans and seasonings, its key ingredients remain the same: ham, beans, and a mix of aromatic vegetables. The beans soak up all the flavors of the ham, creating a rich, savory broth that’s perfect for serving with cornbread or fresh crusty bread.

In this article, we’ll explore two different methods for making ham and beans, one for the stovetop and one for the crockpot. Each recipe is easy to follow and will leave you with a filling meal to enjoy for days!

Ham and Beans Recipe Ingredients

For the perfect ham and beans recipe, you need just a handful of ingredients. While variations exist, here’s a simple, tried-and-true list:

Classic Ham and Beans Ingredients:

These ingredients come together to create a comforting, flavorful meal that can be customized with other spices or vegetables. You can even make the dish vegetarian by leaving out the ham and opting for vegetable broth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Stovetop Method:

1. Soak the Beans:
   • Rinse the beans thoroughly, removing any debris.
   • Place beans in a large pot or bowl, cover with cold water, and soak overnight. Alternatively, bring beans to a boil, let them boil for 3 minutes, and then let them sit for 1 hour.
2. Prepare the Vegetables and Ham:
   • Dice the onion and slice the garlic.
   • If using ham, dice it into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using a ham hock, leave it whole, as it will simmer and impart flavor.

1. Cook the Beans:
   • Drain and rinse the soaked beans. Add them to a large stockpot along with the diced ham, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, parsley, and cloves.
   • Pour in enough water or broth to cover the beans and other ingredients (about 6 cups).
   • Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender.
2. Check and Stir:
   • Stir the beans occasionally, ensuring they don’t stick to the bottom. If necessary, add more water to maintain the liquid level.
3. Final Adjustments:
   • Once the beans are tender and the broth is flavorful, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
   • If using a ham hock, remove it from the pot, discard the bone, and chop any remaining meat to return to the pot.

1. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Ladle the beans into bowls and serve with cornbread, crusty bread, or over rice for a complete meal.

Crockpot Method:

1. Soak the Beans:
   • Sort and soak the beans overnight or use the quick soak method (boil beans for 3 minutes, then remove from heat and let sit for 1 hour).
2. Prepare Ingredients:
   • Slice the garlic and chop the onion.
   • Cut the ham into chunks (or leave it whole if using a ham hock).
3. Add to the Crockpot:
   • Add the soaked and drained beans, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, parsley, cloves, and ham (or ham hock) to the crockpot.
   • Pour in 6 cups of water or broth.
4. Cook:
   • Cover the crockpot and set it to low. Let the beans cook for about 8 hours, or until they are tender and the flavors have melded together.
5. Skim Fat:
   • Before serving, skim off any excess fat that may have accumulated on the surface.
6. Serve:
   • Stir the beans and serve them hot with cornbread or any of your favorite sides.

Nutrition Facts

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content for one serving (based on 7 servings from the stovetop recipe):

The nutritional content may vary slightly depending on the type of ham used, broth, and any additional ingredients. You can reduce the sodium by using low-sodium broth or skipping added salt.

Reviews and Community Feedback

Community Pick – Crockpot Ham and Beans

“This is cheap eating at its best. Really good for scraping by at the end of the month if your cash gets low. Goes best with freshly baked corn muffins drizzled with honey.”

• PalatablePastime

Other reviewers have praised the dish for its simplicity, warmth, and flexibility, making it ideal for busy families or anyone looking for a tasty yet economical meal. The addition of ground cloves and parsley adds a unique depth to the flavor that makes this recipe stand out from standard ham and beans recipes.

Tips and Praise

Tips for the Perfect Ham and Beans:

• Use Leftover Ham: This recipe is ideal for using up leftover holiday ham or ham bones. You can also make this dish using a ham hock, which adds a great smoky flavor.
• Season to Taste: Feel free to adjust the seasoning by adding smoked paprika or red pepper flakes for extra flavor and heat.
• Beans: While great northern beans are commonly used, you can mix them with pinto or navy beans for added texture.
• Add Vegetables: Enhance the dish by adding carrots, celery, or bell peppers for additional flavor and nutrition.

Praise:

• “This is one of the best comfort foods I’ve ever made. My family loved it, and it’s so easy!”
• “The crockpot method was perfect for busy days. The beans turned out so creamy!”
• “This recipe is perfect for when I have leftover ham. So tasty and filling!”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use canned beans for this recipe?

Yes, you can use canned beans if you’re short on time. Simply drain and rinse them, and add them to the pot during the last hour of cooking.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Skip the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian-friendly version of ham and beans.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftover ham and beans can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the dish for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Conclusion

Ham and beans is a classic, comforting dish that’s both simple to make and incredibly satisfying. Whether you choose the stovetop or crockpot method, the combination of beans, ham, and seasonings creates a meal that’s perfect for chilly days or when you need a hearty meal on a budget. This dish not only makes great use of leftover ham but also allows you to get creative with seasonings and additional ingredients.