Savory Ham and Northern Bean Stew
Warm your soul with this hearty Savory Ham and Northern Bean Stew, a beloved classic that's perfect for chilly days. Packed with tender great northern beans, savory cubed ham, and aromatic spices, this dish is both comforting and flavorful. Serve it alongside crispy fried potatoes and buttery cornbread for a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy. Enjoy the essence of homestyle cooking with every bite, and gather around the table to relish this deliciously simple recipe.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried great northern beans
1 lb (Sorted and washed)
Water
10 cups (None)
Cubed cooked ham
1/2-1 lb (Cubed)
Instant onion
1/4 cup (None)
Chopped carrot
1 tablespoon (Chopped)
Celery seed
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Onion powder
1 teaspoon (None)
Chili powder
1 teaspoon (None)
Sugar
1 tablespoon (None)
Salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (None)
Instructions
1
Begin by sorting through the dried great northern beans, removing any debris or damaged beans, and then rinse them thoroughly under cold water.
2
Transfer the rinsed beans to a large pot; add 10 cups of water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat.
3
Once boiling, let the beans boil for 1 minute, then remove the pot from the heat, cover it, and allow it to stand for 1 hour. This step helps soften the beans for the stew.
4
After the resting period, add the cubed ham, instant onion, chopped carrot, celery seed, onion powder, chili powder, sugar, and salt into the pot with the soaked beans. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
5
Return the pot to the heat and bring the mixture back to a boil.
6
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 1 hour. Stir occasionally, and check for tenderness; the beans should be soft and the flavors should meld beautifully.
7
When the beans are tender, taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary. Serve hot with fried potatoes and cornbread for a truly comforting meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Ham and Northern Bean Stew?
It is a hearty, classic dish featuring tender great northern beans, savory ham, and aromatic spices, ideal for chilly days.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
What type of beans are used in this stew?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of dried great northern beans.
What is the first step in preparing the beans?
Begin by sorting through the dried beans to remove debris, then rinse them thoroughly under cold water.
How much water is needed for the stew?
You will need 10 cups of water for boiling the beans.
How long should the beans boil initially?
The beans should be brought to a rolling boil and cooked for 1 minute before soaking.
How long do the beans need to soak after boiling?
After the 1-minute boil, remove the pot from heat, cover it, and let it stand for 1 hour.
What kind of meat is added to the stew?
The recipe uses between 1/2 to 1 lb of cubed cooked ham.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The stew includes 1 tablespoon of chopped carrot and 1/4 cup of instant onion.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The seasoning includes celery seed, onion powder, chili powder, sugar, and salt.
Is there sugar in this bean stew?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 tablespoon of sugar to help balance the flavors.
How much chili powder is used?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of chili powder.
How long does the stew need to simmer?
The mixture should simmer on low heat for at least 1 hour until the beans are tender.
What are the recommended sides for this dish?
It is best served with crispy fried potatoes and buttery cornbread.
How much salt is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt.
Should the pot be covered while simmering?
Yes, cover the pot while the stew simmers to ensure the beans soften properly.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Ham dishes.
What is the preparation for the carrots?
The carrots should be finely chopped.
What is the texture of the finished beans?
The beans should be soft and tender with flavors that have melded beautifully.
Is this considered a Southern recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a southern recipe and a comfort food classic.
How much celery seed is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of celery seed.
What size pot should be used?
A large pot is required to accommodate the 10 cups of water and other ingredients.
When should I adjust the seasoning?
Taste and adjust the seasoning once the beans are tender and the simmering is complete.
Does the ham need to be cooked beforehand?
Yes, the recipe calls for cubed cooked ham.
Can I use onion powder instead of instant onion?
The recipe actually calls for both: 1/4 cup of instant onion and 1 teaspoon of onion powder.
Is the heat high or low during the simmer?
Once the stew returns to a boil, you should reduce the heat to low for simmering.
How many ingredients are in this recipe total?
There are 10 main ingredients in this recipe.
Is this a good meal for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as soul-warming and perfect for chilly days.
What is the prep for the dried beans?
They should be sorted to remove debris and washed thoroughly.
How much instant onion is needed?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of instant onion.