A classic comfort dish — tender beans cooked slowly with smoky ham hock, creating a rich, flavorful, and hearty meal. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a cozy family gathering.
📝 Ingredients
1 smoked ham hock
2 cups dried beans (navy, cannellini, or great northern), soaked overnight
1 onion, chopped
2–3 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
4–6 cups water or chicken broth
1–2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: parsley for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Beans
Drain and rinse the soaked beans. Set aside.
2️⃣ Cook the Ham Hock
Place ham hock in a large pot and cover with water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer for 45–60 minutes to release flavor.
3️⃣ Add Vegetables & Beans
Add beans, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, bay leaves, and thyme. Simmer gently for 1–1½ hours, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender and meat is falling off the ham hock.
4️⃣ Finish
Remove ham hock, shred the meat, and return to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Discard bay leaves before serving.
🍽️ Serving
Serve hot with crusty bread or cornbread for a comforting, hearty meal.
