HAM & WHITE BEANS: A Hearty Comfort Dish
Ingredients:
- 1 lb package dried northern beans
- Ham bone, hocks, shanks, or diced ham (about 1 pound)
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 6 cups water
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
There’s a timeless warmth in the simplicity of Ham & White Beans, a dish that effortlessly marries wholesome ingredients and robust flavors. Here’s how you can create this comforting classic:
- Prepare the Beans: Begin by rinsing and carefully sorting the dried northern beans, ensuring they are free from any pebbles or debris.
- Assemble in the Crock Pot: Place the rinsed beans into the crock pot, and then add the onion powder, salt, pepper, and the star of the show – the ham. Whether it’s a ham bone, hocks, shanks, or diced ham, aim for about 1 pound of this savory delight.
- Add Water: Pour in 6 cups of water to envelop the ingredients in a savory bath, setting the stage for a slow-cooked masterpiece.
- Low and Slow Cooking: Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for approximately 8 hours. This gentle simmer allows the beans to absorb the flavors, and the ham to impart its rich essence, resulting in a dish that embodies comfort.
- Tender Beans, Flavorful Ham: Once the beans reach a delightful tenderness, it’s time to elevate the dish. Remove the ham bone, shanks, or hocks, and delicately pull off the succulent meat.
- Incorporate the Ham: Introduce the pulled ham back into the crock pot, stirring it in to ensure every bite is infused with the savory goodness.
- Serve with Cornbread: To complete this heartwarming experience, serve the Ham & White Beans with a side of freshly baked cornbread. The golden, crumbly cornbread perfectly complements the robust flavors of the dish.
Embrace the homely aroma as you indulge in this Ham & White Beans creation – a dish that transcends time and brings a taste of tradition to your table. Enjoy the simplicity, savor the richness, and make this comforting classic a staple in your culinary repertoire.