Beans Cooked with Ham Hocks

There are few things as satisfying as good beans and ham hocks recipe. The rich, smoky flavor of the ham hocks combined with the creamy beans is simply heaven on a plate.

I always look forward to making this dish – it’s one of my family’s favorites. I usually start by soaking the beans overnight, then simmering them until they’re nice and soft. The ham hocks go in next, followed by some garlic and onion.

I was skeptical of this recipe at first. Beans and ham hocks? Really? But I decided to give it a try anyway, and I’m so glad I did! The beans turned out to be delicious, with the perfect amount of smokiness from the ham hocks. This is now one of my go-to recipes for a quick and easy weeknight meal.

The key to this recipe is to let everything cook slowly so that the flavors can really blend together. After a few hours, I’ll add some salt and pepper to taste. And that’s it – dinner is ready!

So why not give it a try? I promise you won’t be disappointed!

The smoky flavor of the ham hocks really shines through, and the beans are nice and creamy. This is a great dish to serve for a crowd, or you can pack it up for a quick and easy meal on the go.

The next time you’re looking for an easy and delicious meal, try this beans and ham hocks recipe. You won’t be disappointed!

Scroll to bottom for printable recipe card.

Ham Shanks vs. Ham Hocks 

Ham shanks and ham hocks are both cuts of meat from the leg of the hog, but they are different parts of the leg. The shank is the upper part of the leg, below the knee. The hock is the lower part of the leg, above the ankle.

The shank is a tougher cut of meat than the hock and it needs to be cooked for a longer time to be tender. Ham hocks are also tough, but they cook faster than ham shanks. Ham shanks are usually smoked or cured, while ham hocks can be smoked, cured, or boiled.

Ham shanks are more expensive than ham hocks, but they are a more flavorful cut of meat. Ham hocks are often used in soups and stews because they add flavor and richness to the dish. Ham shanks can also be used in dishes like this, but they are not as common.

Are ham hocks and beans healthy?

Ham hocks and beans are a popular soul food dish, but are they healthy? Ham hocks are high in fat and sodium, and can also be high in cholesterol. However, beans are a good source of fiber, protein, and antioxidants. When cooked together, ham hocks and beans can be a nutritious dish.

What seasonings go good in beans?

Beans are a versatile food that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. They can be cooked with or without ham hocks, and they can be seasoned with a variety of spices to give them a unique flavor. Here are some of the most popular seasonings that are used in beans:

• Salt and pepper are the most basic seasonings that can be used in beans. They enhance the natural flavor of the beans and make them taste delicious.
• Garlic is a popular seasoning for beans because it adds a flavorful depth of flavor. It is also believed to have health benefits, so adding garlic to your beans is a good way to get the most out of them.
• Onion is another flavorful seasoning that pairs well with beans. It adds a slight sweetness and savory flavor that takes the dish to the next level.
• Cumin is a spice that is commonly used in Mexican cuisine. It has a smoky, earthy flavor that pairs well with beans.
• Chili powder is another spice that is often used in Mexican dishes. It has a spicy, tangy flavor that goes well with beans and other savory dishes.

Ingredients Needed To Make Beans Cooked with Ham Hocks:

• Great Northern beans
• Water
• Smoked ham hocks
• Herbs de provence
• Olive oil
• Onion
• Celery
• Carrots
• Minced garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parsley to garnish

How Do You Make Beans Cooked with Ham Hocks:

Step 1. Fit a pot with water and bring to a boil. Remove the pot from the heat, pour in the beans, and soak for 2 hours.

Step 2. Add 2 liters of water to a large pot along with the ham hock

Step 3. Add herbs de provence.

Step 4. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover and cook for 1 hour.

Step 5. Add the onions, celery, and carrots to the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Step 6. Saute until softened.

Step 7. Add the vegetables and drained beans to the ham hock broth. Bring to a boil and simmer covered for 40 minutes.

Step 8. Remove the ham hocks, cut off any meat there may be, and return the meat to the pot. Discard the rest of the ham hock.

Step 9. Serve with salt and pepper to taste as well as parsley for garnish.

What to Serve With Bean Soup 

One of the great things about ham hocks is that they’re so versatile. They can be used in a wide variety of dishes, including this easy beans and ham hocks recipe. This dish is perfect for a winter meal, especially when served with some cornbread or biscuits.

If you’re looking for something to serve with your beans and ham hocks, there are a number of options.

• One easy option is cornbread or biscuits.
• Another option is to serve some greens on the side, such as kale or collard greens.
• You could also serve some rice or mashed potatoes on the side.

Whatever you choose, the ham hocks will add flavor and substance to your meal.

How to Store and Freeze This Soup 

This soup freezes well, so it can be made in advance and stored in the freezer.

What kind of beans go with ham hocks?

If you’re looking for a classic combination, try black-eyed peas and ham hocks. This dish is popular in the American South, and it’s known for its delicious, savory flavor.

Navy beans are another great option for pairing with ham hocks. They have a mild flavor that goes well with the smokiness of the meat, and they also tend to hold their shape well when cooked.

If you’re looking for something a little different, pinto beans make a great choice. They have a slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with salty ham hocks, and they also have a nice creamy texture.

Are ham hocks high in sodium?

 Ham hocks are a great way to add flavor to black beans or any other type of bean dish. But are ham hocks high in sodium?

The answer is yes, ham hocks are high in sodium. In fact, a one-ounce serving of ham hocks contains 350 milligrams of sodium. That’s more than 14 percent of the daily recommended intake for sodium.

So if you’re watching your salt intake, you may want to avoid ham hocks. But if you don’t mind the extra sodium, ham hocks can add a lot of flavor to your beans.

Beans Cooked with Ham Hocks

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours

Servings: 8

There are few things as satisfying as good beans and ham hocks recipe. The rich, smoky flavor of the ham hocks combined with the creamy beans is simply heaven on a plate.

4.25 from 8 votes

Review Recipe

Ingredients 

• 1 lb. Great Northern beans
• 2 Liters of water
• 2 lbs. Smoked ham hocks
• 2 tsp. Herbs de provence
• 1 Tbsp. Olive oil
• 1 C. Chopped onion
• 1 C. Chopped celery
• ⅔ C. Chopped carrots
• 2 tsp. Minced garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parsley to garnish

Follow Sweet Pea’s Kitchen

Want to save this recipe? Enter your email below and we’ll send the recipe straight to your inbox!

Email(Required)

Email

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Δ

NOTE: By saving this recipe, you agree to join our weekly recipes newsletter.

Instructions

• Fit a pot with water and bring to a boil. Remove the pot from the heat, pour in the beans and soak for 2 hours.
• Add 2 liters of water to a large pot along with the ham hocks and herbs de provence. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover and cook for 1 hour.
• Saute the onions, celery and carrots in the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until softened.
• Add the vegetables and drained beans to the ham hock broth. Bring to a boil and simmer covered for 40 minutes.
• Remove the ham hocks, cut off any meat there may be, and return the meat to the pot. Discard the rest of the ham hock.
• Serve with salt and pepper to taste as well as parsley for garnish.

Nutrition

Calories: 243kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 1095mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 2g

Author: Marta

More beans recipes

Crockpot Great Northern Beans – This recipe is for the best and creamy Crockpot Great Northern Beans and the best part is that all the work is done by the magical crock pot machine!

Slow Cooker Ham, Green Beans and Potatoes – This easy slow cooker recipe cooks up in one big crockpot (or soup pot), and it only requires only three main ingredients.

Greek Style 4 Bean Salad – Packed with protein this Greek bean salad will leave you feeling full and satisfied.