Hearty Pinto Beans and Savory Ham Stew
Discover the comforting flavors of our Hearty Pinto Beans and Savory Ham Stew. This one-dish meal combines tender pinto beans with savory chunks of ham, aromatic spices, and a medley of vegetables, making it the perfect choice for family dinners or gatherings. Not only is this dish rich in flavor, but it's also packed with nutrition, making it an excellent source of protein and fiber. Serve it alongside some warm cornbread or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal that everyone will love. Ideal for enjoying on chilly evenings, you'll find this recipe a staple in your cooking repertoire.
N/A
Servings
224
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried pinto beans
1 lb (Sorted and washed)
Water
5 cups (Fresh)
Onion
1 large (Chopped)
Cooked ham
4-8 ounces (Chopped)
Garlic cloves
3 (Minced)
Green pepper
1/2 cup (Chopped)
Chili powder
1 tablespoon
Salt
1 teaspoon
Pepper
1 teaspoon
Ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon
Dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
1
The night before, thoroughly sort and wash the dried pinto beans. Cover them with plenty of water and let them soak overnight. Drain the beans before cooking.
2
In a 5- or 6-quart slow cooker, add the soaked and drained beans along with 5 cups of fresh water.
3
Next, add the chopped onion, cooked ham, minced garlic, and chopped green pepper to the slow cooker.
4
Sprinkle in the chili powder, salt, pepper, ground cumin, and dried oregano, stirring gently to combine all the ingredients.
5
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on the low setting for 9-10 hours, or until the beans are tender and fully cooked. Stir the mixture occasionally, if possible, to evenly distribute the flavors.
6
Once cooked, serve the stew hot, accompanied by cornbread, rice, or your choice of salad for a delightful and hearty meal.
Nutrition Information
2g
Fat
36g
Carbs
15g
Protein
7g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Pinto Beans and Savory Ham Stew?
It is a comforting one-dish meal that combines tender pinto beans with savory chunks of ham, aromatic spices, and a medley of vegetables.
How do I prepare the beans for this recipe?
The night before cooking, thoroughly sort and wash the dried pinto beans, cover them with water, let them soak overnight, and drain them before use.
What is the recommended cooking time in a slow cooker?
The stew should be cooked on the low setting for 9 to 10 hours until the beans are tender.
What size slow cooker should I use?
A 5- or 6-quart slow cooker is recommended for this recipe.
How many calories are in one serving of this stew?
There are approximately 224 calories per serving.
How much protein does this meal provide?
Each serving contains about 15g of protein.
What are the main vegetables used in this stew?
The recipe calls for one large chopped onion and half a cup of chopped green pepper.
What spices are used to season the Hearty Pinto Beans and Savory Ham Stew?
The seasonings include chili powder, salt, pepper, ground cumin, and dried oregano.
Does the ham need to be pre-cooked?
Yes, the recipe requires 4-8 ounces of cooked ham, chopped into pieces.
How much water should I add to the slow cooker?
You should add 5 cups of fresh water along with the other ingredients.
Is this recipe a good source of fiber?
Yes, it is packed with nutrition and provides 7g of fiber per serving.
What should I serve with this stew?
It is delicious when served with warm cornbread, rice, or a fresh green salad.
Can I cook this dish on a high setting?
The recipe recommends cooking on low for 9-10 hours for the best results and tender beans.
How much garlic is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 3 cloves of minced garlic.
What type of beans are used?
This specific recipe uses 1 lb of dried pinto beans.
Is this a low-fat meal?
Yes, this stew contains only 2g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 36g of carbohydrates per serving.
Do I need to stir the stew while it cooks?
Stirring occasionally is recommended if possible to help distribute the flavors evenly.
Can this stew be prepared for family gatherings?
Absolutely, it is described as an ideal choice for family dinners and gatherings due to its hearty nature.
Is the green pepper preparation specific?
Yes, the green pepper should be chopped, and you will need 1/2 cup.
How much chili powder is added?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of chili powder.
Is there any added sugar in this recipe?
No, the nutritional information indicates 0g of sugar.
What is the primary flavor profile?
It is a savory and hearty stew with aromatic spices like cumin and oregano.
Is it necessary to soak the beans?
Yes, soaking the beans overnight ensures they cook properly and become tender in the slow cooker.
Can I use fresh oregano instead of dried?
While the recipe specifies 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano, you can use fresh oregano if you adjust the quantity accordingly.
Is this a good meal for cold weather?
Yes, it is noted as being ideal for enjoying on chilly evenings.
What kind of ham is best for this recipe?
Any cooked ham will work, as long as it is chopped into bite-sized pieces.
How much cumin is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin.
Can I add more ham if I prefer?
The recipe suggests 4 to 8 ounces, but you can adjust based on your preference.
Is the salt and pepper amount flexible?
The recipe suggests 1 teaspoon each of salt and pepper, which provides a balanced base flavor.