The Easiest Way to Make Delicious Ham Hock and Bean Stew

Ham hock and bean stew is a hearty and flavorful dish that is surprisingly easy to make. All it takes is a few simple ingredients, some patience, and a bit of time. Here’s how to make the most delicious ham hock and bean stew in no time at all.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. dry beans (such as pinto, black, or kidney)
• 1 ham hock
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4-6 cups of water

Instructions

1. Soak the beans overnight in cold water. Make sure the beans are completely submerged in the water.
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the ham hock to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Drain the soaked beans and add them to the pot. Add the oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour in 4-6 cups of water, depending on how thick you want the stew to be.
5. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer the stew, covered, for 2-3 hours, or until the beans are tender.
6. Remove the ham hock and discard any fat. Pull the meat off the bone and shred it into the stew. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve the stew with a side of crusty bread or over cooked rice.

Ham hock and bean stew is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for cold winter nights. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of time, you can easily make this hearty and flavorful stew. Enjoy!

Cooking beans with a ham hock is a tasty and simple way to enjoy a hearty meal. It’s a great way to use up a leftover ham hock and turn it into something delicious! Here’s a step-by-step guide to cooking beans with a ham hock:

Step 1: Soak the beans

The first step in cooking beans with a ham hock is to soak the beans. This helps to soften the beans and reduce cooking time. Place the beans in a large bowl and cover them with cold water. Let them soak for at least 4 hours, or overnight. Drain and rinse the beans before cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the ham hock

Once the beans are soaked, it’s time to prepare the ham hock. Start by removing any visible fat from the ham hock. Then, place the ham hock in a large stockpot and cover it with cold water. Bring the water to a boil and reduce the heat to a simmer. Simmer the ham hock for 1 to 2 hours, or until it is fork-tender.

Step 3: Cook the beans

Once the ham hock is cooked, it’s time to cook the beans. Drain the water from the stockpot and return the ham hock to the pot. Add the beans and enough water to cover the beans by 2 inches. Bring the water to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook for 1 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender. Once the beans are cooked, remove the ham hock from the pot and set aside.

Step 4: Serve the beans

To serve the beans, ladle them into individual bowls and top with a few slices of the cooked ham hock. Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for Perfectly Cooking Beans with a Ham Hock

For those of us who love to cook with beans, adding a ham hock can be a great way to add flavor, texture, and depth to your dish. But if you’ve never cooked with a ham hock before, it can be a bit daunting. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you get the perfect beans with a ham hock.

Choose the Right Beans

Beans come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and flavors, so it’s important to choose the right bean for your dish. For beans cooked with a ham hock, you’ll want to choose a sturdier bean like black-eyed peas, navy beans, or pinto beans. These types of beans hold up better to long cooking times and will lend a great flavor to your dish.

Soak Your Beans

If you’re using dried beans, be sure to give them a proper soak before cooking. Soaking the beans helps break down the complex starches that can cause the beans to be tough, and also helps to reduce cooking time. To soak your beans, place them in a large bowl and cover with at least twice the amount of cold water. Let them soak for at least 8 hours (or overnight) before cooking.

Add the Ham Hock Early

When it’s time to actually start cooking, be sure to add the ham hock early. You’ll want to give the ham hock enough time to render its fat and flavor into the beans. Add the ham hock to the beans and enough liquid (such as water or broth) to cover the beans. Simmer for 1-2 hours or until the beans are soft and the ham hock is falling off the bone.

Add Seasonings Last

Be sure to wait until the end to add any seasonings or other ingredients like onions and garlic. Adding them too early can cause the beans to become tough and the flavors to be muted. Once the beans are soft and the ham hock is cooked, add any desired seasonings and simmer for a few more minutes to bring out the flavor.

With these tips, you’ll be able to make perfectly cooked beans with a ham hock every time!