Savory Ham Hocks and Rustic Beans
Experience the ultimate in comfort food with this Savory Ham Hocks and Rustic Beans recipe. This hearty dish combines tender ham hocks with a medley of flavorful beans, aromatic onions, and zesty garlic, creating a rich and satisfying meal. Despite the common advice to soak beans, this recipe skips that step for simplicity—simply rinse and cook for a soul-warming dish that simmers for hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Ideal for chilly evenings, serve this delicious stew with fresh, crusty bread, homemade cornbread, or crispy fried potatoes for a complete meal that warms both the body and spirit. Perfectly adaptable for pressure cookers and slow cookers, it remains a timeless favorite for families and gatherings.
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
dry beans
1 bag (15 bean mix, washed)
ham hocks
4-6 (none)
large onion
1 (chopped)
garlic cloves
6 (minced)
bay leaf
1 (none)
oregano
1 tablespoon (dried)
pepper
1 teaspoon (freshly ground)
salt
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by thoroughly washing the beans, ensuring that all small stones and impurities are removed.
2
In a large Dutch oven, combine the rinsed beans, ham hocks, chopped onion, and minced garlic.
3
Fill the pot with enough water to cover all the ingredients generously.
4
Add the bay leaf, oregano, pepper, and a pinch of salt to the mix, stirring well to distribute the seasonings.
5
Bring the pot to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
6
Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 4 to 5 hours. Stir occasionally and add more water as necessary to keep everything submerged.
7
When the ham hocks are tender and falling apart, carefully remove them from the pot. Let them cool for a few minutes.
8
Once cooled enough to handle, shred the meat from the ham hocks, discarding any fat and bones. Return the shredded meat to the pot and stir well to combine.
9
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving hot.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
71g
Carbs
17.5g
Protein
5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Ham Hocks and Rustic Beans?
It is a hearty comfort food dish combining tender ham hocks with a medley of beans, onions, and garlic.
Do the beans need to be soaked?
No, this recipe skips the soaking step; you simply need to rinse the beans before cooking.
What kind of beans are used?
A 15-bean mix is recommended for this rustic bean recipe.
How many ham hocks are required?
You will need between 4 and 6 ham hocks for this dish.
How long does the recipe take to cook?
The dish needs to simmer gently for approximately 4 to 5 hours.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 400 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 10 grams of fat.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This recipe provides 17.5 grams of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in the beans?
There are 71 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there fiber in this recipe?
Yes, there are 5 grams of fiber per serving.
What aromatics are used for flavoring?
One large chopped onion and six cloves of minced garlic are used as aromatics.
What herbs and spices are included?
The recipe uses a bay leaf, one tablespoon of dried oregano, and one teaspoon of freshly ground pepper.
How do I prepare the beans before cooking?
Thoroughly wash the beans to ensure all small stones and impurities are removed.
Can this be made in a slow cooker?
Yes, this recipe is perfectly adaptable for a slow cooker or crockpot.
Is this recipe suitable for a pressure cooker?
Yes, the recipe can be prepared using a pressure cooker for faster results.
What side dishes are recommended for this stew?
It is best served with fresh crusty bread, homemade cornbread, or crispy fried potatoes.
How much water should I add to the pot?
Fill the pot with enough water to cover all ingredients generously.
What do I do with the ham hocks once they are tender?
Remove them from the pot, shred the meat, and discard any fat and bones.
When do I return the meat to the pot?
Return the shredded meat to the pot and stir well to combine after the beans have finished simmering.
At what heat should the beans simmer?
After reaching a rolling boil, reduce the heat to medium-low for a gentle simmer.
How often should I stir the beans?
You should stir the pot occasionally during the 4 to 5-hour simmering process.
What should I do if the water level drops?
Add more water as necessary during the cooking process to keep all ingredients submerged.
Is salt included in the ingredients?
Yes, salt is added to taste to finish the dish.
Is this recipe good for cold weather?
Yes, it is an ideal dish for chilly evenings and is considered a winter recipe.
How many ingredients are in the recipe?
The recipe calls for a total of 8 main ingredients.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
The six garlic cloves should be minced before being added to the pot.
What is the preparation for the onion?
The large onion should be chopped into pieces.
Is this recipe considered a family meal?
Yes, it is described as a timeless favorite for families and large gatherings.
How should I taste and finish the dish?
Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if necessary before serving the dish hot.
What is the primary cooking vessel suggested?
A large Dutch oven is the primary vessel recommended for this recipe.