Southern Comfort Pinto Beans with Ham Hock
Experience the heartwarming flavors of the South with this delightful recipe for Southern Comfort Pinto Beans. Traditionally known as 'Red Beans' in Texas, this dish combines tender pinto beans with the rich, smoky essence of ham hock for a true culinary treat. This recipe is inspired by Paula Deen's classic approach, featuring a whole onion for added flavor and depth. After simmering slowly in their own juices, these beans become irresistibly creamy and infused with the savory notes of spices and ham. Perfect as a hearty main dish or paired with fluffy cornbread, these beans are sure to warm your heart and satisfy your soul!
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
dry pinto beans
1 lb (washed and soaked overnight)
chili powder
1 teaspoon (none)
ham hock
1/2 lb (pre-soaked for at least 2 hours)
water
4 cups (none)
onion
1 (whole)
salt
to taste (none)
black pepper
to taste (none)
garlic powder
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by washing the pinto beans thoroughly and soaking them overnight in cold water. This softens the beans and cuts down on cooking time.
2
The next day, drain the soaked beans and transfer them into your slow cooker.
3
Stir in the chili powder for a hint of heat and flavor.
4
For the ham hock, pre-soak it in a separate pot with water for at least 2 hours or refrigerate for up to 24 hours to maximize flavor. Then, cook the ham hock on the stove for about 30 minutes, using the saved liquid to enhance your beans.
5
Add the ham hock along with enough liquid to cover the beans.
6
Place the whole onion into the slow cooker along with the seasoned beans.
7
Season everything generously with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder according to your taste preference.
8
Cover and cook on high for at least 5 hours, checking periodically until the beans are tender and creamy in texture.
9
Once cooked, serve the beans hot, garnished with pieces of the ham hock, alongside a slice of your favorite cornbread.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Southern Comfort Pinto Beans?
They are a hearty dish combining tender pinto beans with a rich, smoky essence of ham hock, often known as 'Red Beans' in Texas.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 10 servings.
What is the main inspiration for this pinto bean recipe?
This recipe is inspired by Paula Deen's classic approach to Southern cooking.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients include dry pinto beans, chili powder, ham hock, water, a whole onion, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
How should the dry pinto beans be prepared?
The beans should be washed thoroughly and soaked overnight in cold water to soften them.
How much dry pinto beans do I need?
You will need 1 lb of dry pinto beans.
What is the purpose of soaking the beans overnight?
Soaking softens the beans and significantly reduces the overall cooking time.
How do I prepare the ham hock?
Pre-soak the ham hock for at least 2 hours, then cook it on the stove for 30 minutes before adding it to the slow cooker.
How much ham hock is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of ham hock.
Can I soak the ham hock longer than 2 hours?
Yes, you can refrigerate it in water for up to 24 hours to maximize its flavor.
Should I keep the water used to cook the ham hock?
Yes, use the saved liquid from the ham hock to enhance the flavor of your beans.
What spices provide the hint of heat in this dish?
One teaspoon of chili powder is added for a hint of heat and flavor.
How is the onion prepared for the slow cooker?
The onion is placed into the slow cooker whole to add depth and flavor.
What seasonings should be used?
Season generously with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder according to your preference.
How long do the pinto beans cook in the slow cooker?
Cook on high for at least 5 hours until the beans are tender and creamy.
What setting should the slow cooker be on?
The recipe recommends cooking the beans on the high setting.
What is the final texture of the pinto beans?
The beans should be irresistibly creamy and infused with savory notes of spices and ham.
How should I serve the Southern Comfort Pinto Beans?
Serve them hot, garnished with pieces of ham hock, alongside a slice of cornbread.
What is a recommended side dish for these beans?
A slice of fluffy cornbread is the perfect companion for this dish.
What are these beans called in Texas?
In Texas, these pinto beans are traditionally known as 'Red Beans'.
How much water is initially used for the beans?
The recipe lists 4 cups of water among the ingredients.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
While this specific version uses ham hock, the tags suggest it can be adapted for a vegetarian option.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 total ingredients listed for this dish.
When should I drain the soaked beans?
Drain the soaked beans the next day before transferring them to the slow cooker.
What should I do if the beans aren't tender after 5 hours?
Check periodically and continue cooking until the desired creamy texture is achieved.
Can I use garlic cloves instead of powder?
The recipe calls for garlic powder, but you can adjust seasonings to your taste preference.
Is the ham hock served with the beans?
Yes, the dish is garnished with pieces of the ham hock upon serving.
Does the recipe require a specific type of bean?
Yes, this recipe specifically uses dry pinto beans.
What makes the beans savory?
The combination of the ham hock essence, onion, and spices creates a savory profile.
How much liquid should be in the slow cooker?
Add enough liquid (including the ham hock water) to completely cover the beans.