Northern Beans with Ham Hocks

Experience the comforting flavors of Northern Beans with Smoked Ham Hocks, a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for any meal. This recipe combines tender great northern beans with smoky ham hocks, creating a rich, flavorful broth infused with aromatic herbs and vegetables.

Slow-cooked to perfection, this dish offers a delightful blend of textures and tastes that will warm you up from the inside out. Whether served as a cozy dinner or a fulfilling side, it’s a timeless classic that’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy every savory spoonful!

Northern Beans with Ham Hocks

Ingredients

8 ½ cups water

2 pounds Smoked ham hocks

1 pound Great Northern Beans

1 tbsp Olive Oil

2 tsp Herbs de Provence

2 tsp Garlic, freshly minced

1 tsp Salt

½ tsp Black Pepper

1 cup Carrots, sliced or chopped

1 cup Onion, diced

1 cup Celery, sliced or chopped

Instructions

Step 1:

Pour the water into a Dutch oven and heat over medium heat.

Bring the water to a rolling boil, then add the beans. Remove from heat and allow the beans to soak for 2 hours.

Drain and rinse the beans thoroughly.

Return 8 ½ cups of water to the pot. Add the smoked ham hocks and herbes de Provence.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 hour.

Step 2:

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.

Sauté the onions, carrots, and celery until the vegetables are tender.

Step 3:

Add the sautéed vegetables and the drained beans to the pot with the ham hocks. Bring the mixture back to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, covered, for 40 minutes.

Remove the ham hocks from the pot. Trim off any meat and return it to the pot.

Discard the remaining ham hock bones.

Serving:

Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Enjoy your hearty Northern Beans with Smoked Ham Hocks!

Notes:

Bean Preparation:

Soaking beans helps to reduce cooking time and improve texture. If you’re short on time, you can use the quick-soak method: bring the beans and water to a boil, let them boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let them soak for 1 hour before draining and rinsing.

Ham Hocks:

Smoked ham hocks add a rich, savory flavor to the beans. If you prefer a less fatty option, you can use ham shanks or a small piece of smoked ham instead. For a vegetarian version, substitute with smoked paprika or liquid smoke to achieve a similar depth of flavor.

Herbs and Seasonings:

Herbes de Provence is a blend of herbs that adds complexity to the dish. You can also use other herb blends like Italian seasoning or just individual herbs such as thyme and rosemary.

Vegetable Sautéing:

Sautéing the vegetables (onions, carrots, and celery) before adding them to the pot enhances their flavors and adds a caramelized depth to the dish. Make sure they are tender before combining them with the beans.

Adjusting Consistency:

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If the soup becomes too thick during cooking, you can add a bit more water or broth to reach your desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce and thicken the broth.

Flavor Enhancements:

For added flavor, you can include a bay leaf or a splash of apple cider vinegar to balance the richness of the dish.

Cooking Time:

The cooking time may vary depending on the age of the beans and the size of the ham hocks. Check the beans for tenderness and adjust the cooking time as necessary.

Storage:

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This dish also freezes well; store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.

Serving Suggestions:

This dish pairs well with cornbread, crusty bread, or a simple green salad. It also makes a hearty and satisfying meal on its own.

Garnishing:

For a fresh touch, garnish with chopped parsley or green onions before serving. A dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also add a bit of heat if desired.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of bean?

Yes, you can use other types of beans such as navy beans or pinto beans.

Keep in mind that different beans may have slightly different cooking times and textures.

Do I need to soak the beans?

Soaking the beans helps reduce cooking time and improve texture, but if you’re short on time, you can use the quick-soak method: boil the beans for 2 minutes, then let them soak for 1 hour.

Can I use canned beans instead of dried?

Yes, you can use canned beans. If using canned beans, skip the soaking and initial cooking steps.

Add the beans to the pot with the vegetables and cook for about 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

What can I use instead of smoked ham hocks?

Smoked ham shanks or a piece of smoked ham can be used as alternatives.

For a vegetarian option, try using liquid smoke or smoked paprika to add a smoky flavor.

Can I cook this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can use a slow cooker. Combine all the ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beans are tender and the flavors are well developed.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add some heat by incorporating a chopped jalapeño, a dash of hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to taste.

Adjust the spice level based on your preference.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

For longer storage, freeze the beans in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Yes, feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, tomatoes, or spinach.

Just make sure to add them at the appropriate time to ensure they cook properly.

What if my beans aren’t tender after the cooking time?

Continue simmering the beans until they reach the desired tenderness.

If needed, add a bit more water or broth to ensure the beans don’t dry out while cooking.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.

Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.