Savory Slow-Cooked Ham & Pinto Bean Stew
This Savory Slow-Cooked Ham & Pinto Bean Stew combines tender pinto beans, smoked ham, and aromatic vegetables to create a hearty and nourishing meal that's perfect for chilly days. The recipe makes good use of the slow cooker, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day. This dish is not only delicious and satisfying but also makes great leftovers for lunch the next day. Gather your loved ones around the table to enjoy a home-cooked feast that warms both the heart and the belly.
N/A
Servings
280
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dry pinto beans
2 lbs (Soaked overnight, drained, and rinsed.)
Onion
1 (Chopped.)
Garlic cloves
3 (Minced.)
Salt
1 teaspoon (To taste.)
Pepper
1 teaspoon (To taste.)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (For sautéing.)
Bay leaves
2 (Whole.)
Ham
1/2-1 lb (Chopped.)
Instructions
1
Begin by covering the dry pinto beans with enough water to leave at least an inch above the beans. Allow them to soak overnight to soften.
2
Once soaked, drain and rinse the beans thoroughly before returning them to the crock pot. Add 12 cups of fresh water.
3
In a skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic cloves with salt and pepper until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
4
Transfer the sautéed mixture into the crock pot, along with the chopped ham and bay leaves. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
5
Set your crock pot to high and cook for 1 hour, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for an additional 7 hours, or until the beans are soft and creamy.
6
Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the bay leaves. Serve hot and enjoy this delightful stew with your favorite bread or cornbread!
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
40g
Carbs
18g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients in Savory Slow-Cooked Ham & Pinto Bean Stew?
The main ingredients are 2 lbs of dry pinto beans, 1/2-1 lb of chopped ham, onion, garlic, olive oil, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
How do I prepare the pinto beans for this stew?
The dry pinto beans should be covered with water, soaked overnight, and then drained and rinsed before cooking.
How much water is required for the slow cooker?
You need to add 12 cups of fresh water to the crock pot after adding the soaked beans.
What is the recommended cooking time in the slow cooker?
The stew should be cooked on high for 1 hour, then reduced to low for an additional 7 hours.
Should I sauté the vegetables before adding them to the crock pot?
Yes, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
How many calories are in a serving of this stew?
This stew contains approximately 280 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of this ham and bean stew?
There are 18g of protein per serving.
Is there any fat in this recipe?
Yes, it contains 7g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 40g of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of ham should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 to 1 lb of chopped ham; smoked ham works particularly well for added flavor.
Are there any specific spices or herbs used?
The recipe uses 2 bay leaves, salt, and pepper for seasoning.
When should I remove the bay leaves?
The bay leaves should be carefully removed once the cooking is complete and before serving.
What is the suggested serving accompaniment?
This stew is delicious when served hot with your favorite bread or cornbread.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 3 minced garlic cloves.
Can I make this recipe if I don't have a slow cooker?
While designed for a slow cooker, it can be adapted for a heavy pot on a stove over very low heat for several hours.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it makes great leftovers for lunch the next day and the flavors meld beautifully over time.
How much olive oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
What are the primary tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include ham, pinto beans, slow cooker, stew, comfort food, hearty, and beans.
Is this a difficult recipe to make?
No, it is described as an easy recipe that allows the slow cooker to do most of the work.
How much salt and pepper is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1 teaspoon each of salt and pepper, or to taste.
Do I need to soak the beans?
Yes, soaking them overnight is necessary to soften them before the slow-cooking process.
How many onions are needed?
You will need 1 chopped onion.
What is the texture of the beans when finished?
The beans should be soft and creamy after the full 8-hour cooking cycle.
Is this stew considered a hearty meal?
Yes, it is described as a hearty and nourishing meal perfect for chilly days.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
The recipe contains 8 distinct ingredients.
What kind of oil should I use for sautéing?
Olive oil is the recommended choice for sautéing the onion and garlic.
Can I use canned pinto beans?
The recipe specifies 2 lbs of dry pinto beans; using canned beans would significantly reduce the cooking time and change the texture.
Is the ham added at the beginning or end?
The chopped ham is added to the crock pot at the beginning of the cooking process along with the beans.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is covering dry pinto beans with water and soaking them overnight.
Does the recipe contain any sugar?
No, sugar is not listed as an ingredient in this savory stew recipe.