Comforting Ham Hock and Pink Bean Stew
This Comforting Ham Hock and Pink Bean Stew is a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. By combining tender pink beans, savory ham hock, and aromatic vegetables, you create a rich and flavorful stew that warms the soul. Simply toss all the ingredients into your crockpot, set it, and let it do the magic while you enjoy your day. The addition of rice and a sprinkle of cheese makes this dish even more delightful. Feel free to customize with your favorite spices or vegetables. Perfect for meal prep, this stew freezes beautifully for those busy weeks ahead. Enjoy a bowl of comfort with every spoonful!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pink beans
1 (16 ounce package, washed, picked clean of rocks, and soaked overnight)
Onion
1 (small, diced)
Garlic cloves
4 (minced)
Ham hock
1 (large, split in half (adjust according to size))
Water or chicken stock
6-8 (cups)
Salt and pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Begin by washing and picking through the pink beans to remove any debris. Soak them overnight in water to soften.
2
In a large crockpot, add the soaked beans, diced onion, minced garlic, and the split ham hock.
3
Pour in 6-8 cups of water or chicken stock enough to cover the ingredients.
4
Set the crockpot to medium heat and cook for approximately 6 hours. During this time, the flavors will meld beautifully.
5
At the halfway mark, check to see if the meat is tender enough to be pulled apart. If it's not, let it cook a bit longer.
6
Once the meat is tender, carefully remove the ham hock from the pot. Allow it to cool for a few minutes.
7
Take off the layer of fat from the ham hock, then shred the meat into bite-sized pieces and return it to the crockpot.
8
Stir the stew once more, then season with salt and pepper to taste. If there's excess fat on the surface of the stew, skim it off with a spoon.
9
Serve hot with a side of rice and a sprinkle of cheese for added richness. Enjoy your hearty meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish described in this recipe?
The main dish is a Comforting Ham Hock and Pink Bean Stew.
What type of beans are used in this stew?
This recipe uses 16 ounces of pink beans.
How should I prepare the pink beans before cooking?
The pink beans should be washed, picked clean of debris or rocks, and soaked in water overnight.
What cooking equipment is recommended for this recipe?
A large crockpot is recommended for cooking this stew.
What temperature should I set the crockpot to?
The crockpot should be set to medium heat.
How long does the stew need to cook?
The stew should cook for approximately 6 hours in the crockpot.
What kind of onion is required?
The recipe calls for one small diced onion.
How many garlic cloves are included?
The recipe uses 4 minced garlic cloves.
How do I prepare the ham hock for the pot?
Use one large ham hock and split it in half before adding it to the crockpot.
Can I use something other than water for the liquid base?
Yes, you can use either 6 to 8 cups of water or chicken stock.
When should I check the tenderness of the meat?
You should check the meat at the halfway mark of the cooking process.
What if the ham hock is not tender at the halfway mark?
If the meat is not tender enough to be pulled apart, let it cook a bit longer.
Should I remove the ham hock from the pot at any point?
Yes, once the meat is tender, remove the ham hock and let it cool for a few minutes before processing.
Do I include the fat from the ham hock in the final stew?
No, you should take off the layer of fat from the ham hock before shredding the meat.
How should the ham hock meat be added back into the stew?
Shred the meat into bite-sized pieces and return it to the crockpot.
What seasonings are suggested for this stew?
The stew is seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.
What should I do if there is excess fat on the surface of the stew?
If there is excess fat on the surface, you should skim it off with a spoon.
What are the suggested serving accompaniments?
The stew is served best with a side of rice and a sprinkle of cheese.
Is this stew suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this stew is perfect for meal prep as it freezes beautifully.
Is this recipe good for large groups?
Yes, it is a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for family gatherings.
Can I customize the vegetables in the stew?
Yes, you are encouraged to customize the stew with your favorite spices or additional vegetables.
How many main ingredients are listed?
There are 6 primary ingredients including beans, onion, garlic, ham hock, liquid, and seasonings.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is washing and picking through the beans to remove debris, then soaking them overnight.
Do I need to stir the stew?
Yes, you should stir the stew once more after returning the shredded meat to the pot.
Why is it important to soak the beans overnight?
Soaking the beans overnight helps to soften them before they are cooked in the crockpot.
What type of meal is this considered?
It is considered a comfort food and a hearty meal.
How much liquid is needed in total?
Between 6 and 8 cups of water or chicken stock are required to cover the ingredients.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The specific number of servings is not provided, but it uses 16 oz of beans and a large ham hock.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
No, it is a simple process of adding ingredients to a crockpot and letting them cook for several hours.
What is the final step before serving?
The final step is to serve the stew hot with rice and a sprinkle of cheese.