Traditional Southern Creamy White Beans with Ham
Experience the heart of Southern cooking with these Traditional Southern Creamy White Beans. This dish, cherished throughout Alabama, is perfect as a main attraction or a hearty side. The slow-cooked white beans simmered with a flavorful ham hock or bone create a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture that pairs beautifully with sautéed turnip greens and cornbread. For those who enjoy a little extra zest, adding corn relish, hot sauce, or pepper sauce on top takes this dish to a whole new level. What’s more, it tastes even better the next day, making it an ideal make-ahead option for gatherings or cozy family dinners.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried white beans
4 cups (Rinsed and drained)
Ham hock or ham bone
1 (With some meat remaining)
Salt
2 teaspoons (To taste)
Black pepper or red pepper
To taste (Optional)
Instructions
1
Rinse and drain the dried white beans thoroughly. Place the beans in a large pot and add enough water to cover them by four inches.
2
Bring the water to a rapid boil over medium-high heat, allowing the beans to cook vigorously for about 10 minutes.
3
Reduce the heat to low and add the ham hock or bone, salt, and black or red pepper according to your taste preference.
4
Cover the pot and let the beans simmer gently for approximately three hours, stirring occasionally. Ensure the beans remain submerged, adding more water if necessary.
5
Once the beans are tender and creamy, taste and adjust seasoning as desired. For those who prefer softer beans, continue cooking until they reach your desired consistency.
6
Serve hot, garnished with your choice of corn relish or hot sauce for an extra kick.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Traditional Southern Creamy White Beans?
This is a classic Southern comfort dish from Alabama consisting of dried white beans slow-cooked with a ham hock until they reach a rich, creamy consistency.
What type of beans should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for dried white beans, such as Great Northern or Navy beans, which provide the best texture when slow-cooked.
How long does it take to cook the beans?
After an initial 10-minute rapid boil, the beans should simmer for approximately three hours or until they are tender and creamy.
Do I need to soak the beans overnight?
While many bean recipes require soaking, this specific Southern method uses a rapid boil for 10 minutes followed by a long simmer to achieve tenderness.
What can I serve with Southern creamy white beans?
They pair perfectly with sautéed turnip greens, fresh cornbread, and garnishes like corn relish or pepper sauce.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, although the traditional version uses a ham hock, you can omit the meat and use vegetable broth or smoked paprika to maintain a savory profile.
How do I make the beans extra creamy?
The creaminess comes from the slow-simmering process. If you want them even softer, continue cooking beyond the three-hour mark until the desired consistency is reached.
What is the best meat to use for seasoning?
A ham hock or a ham bone with some meat remaining provides the most authentic Southern flavor and richness.
How much water do I need to add?
Start by covering the beans with at least four inches of water and add more during the simmering process if the beans are no longer submerged.
Is this dish better the next day?
Absolutely! The flavors meld and the starches settle overnight, making it an excellent make-ahead meal for gatherings.
What seasonings are required?
The recipe uses simple seasonings: 2 teaspoons of salt and either black or red pepper to taste.
Can I add hot sauce to this dish?
Yes, adding hot sauce or pepper sauce as a garnish is highly recommended for those who enjoy a little extra zest and heat.
What is corn relish and how is it used here?
Corn relish is a pickled corn condiment that provides a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory, creamy beans when served as a topping.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
This simple recipe only requires 4 main ingredients: dried white beans, ham hock, salt, and pepper.
Can I use a ham bone from a holiday ham?
Yes, a leftover ham bone is perfect for this recipe as it adds a deep, smoky flavor and tender bits of meat.
What heat setting should I use for simmering?
After the initial boil, reduce the heat to low to allow the beans to simmer gently without breaking apart too quickly.
How do I prep the dried beans?
You should rinse the dried white beans and drain them thoroughly to remove any dust or debris before cooking.
Is this recipe considered a main dish or a side?
It is versatile enough to be served as a hearty main attraction or as a side dish for a larger Southern meal.
What should I do if the water evaporates too quickly?
Keep an eye on the pot and add more water as necessary to ensure the beans remain submerged throughout the three-hour simmer.
Can I use red pepper instead of black pepper?
Yes, red pepper can be used if you prefer a bit more spice in the base seasoning of the beans.
Is this an Alabama-specific recipe?
While popular across the South, this specific preparation is a cherished staple in Alabama home cooking.
How do I know when the beans are finished cooking?
The beans are ready when they are tender to the bite and the liquid has thickened into a creamy sauce.
Can I store leftovers in the fridge?
Yes, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator; they will taste even better when reheated the next day.
What size pot should I use?
A large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven is best to accommodate 4 cups of beans and the necessary water.
Can I use canned beans for this recipe?
This recipe is designed for dried beans to achieve the specific 'creamy' texture; canned beans will not produce the same starch-rich liquid.
Do I need to stir the beans?
Yes, you should stir the beans occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Naturally, the ingredients (beans, ham, salt, pepper) are gluten-free, but always check the labels on your ham hock or seasonings.
How much salt should I add?
The recipe suggests starting with 2 teaspoons of salt, then tasting and adjusting at the end of the cooking time.
Can I use other types of meat like bacon?
While ham hock is traditional, bacon or salt pork can be used as substitutes for a similar smoky flavor.
Should the pot be covered while simmering?
Yes, keeping the pot covered helps maintain a consistent temperature and prevents the water from evaporating too quickly.