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Best Easy Ham Hock and Lima Beans Recipe

Name: Best Easy Ham Hock and Lima Beans Recipe
Total time: 250 min
Yield: 350 g
Ingredients: Smoked ham hock 1.5 lbs; Dried lima beans 2 cups; Yellow onion 1 pieces; Celery stalk 2 pieces; Carrot 1 pieces; Water 7 cups; Bay leaf 1 pieces; Black pepper 0.5 tsp; Salt 1 tsp

Ham hock and lima beans slow-simmered to creamy perfection is a hearty Southern family staple packed with protein. This budget-friendly, comforting dish delivers smoky depth and makes satisfying leftovers.

Cook 250 min Difficulty NORMAL 360 kcal

#high protein #comfort food #budget friendly #Southern cooking

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Ingredients

Main ingredients

Smoked ham hock 1.5 lbs
Dried lima beans 2 cups
Yellow onion 1 pieces
Celery stalk 2 pieces
Carrot 1 pieces
Water 7 cups

Seasonings/Sauce

Bay leaf 1 pieces
Black pepper 0.5 tsp
Salt 1 tsp

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 38 g 42%

Protein 21 g 23%

Fat 12 g 30%

Serving size 350g

Cooking steps

1

Rinse the dried lima beans and soak them in water for at least 6 hours or overnight for best texture.
2

Drain soaked beans and set aside. In a large heavy pot over medium heat, combine the smoked ham hock, 7 cups water, and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer.
3

Skim off any foam, then add chopped onion, celery, and carrot to the pot. Maintain a gentle simmer; do not boil, to prevent toughening the meats and beans.
4

Add the drained beans to the pot. Cover partially and simmer on low for 2 to 2.5 hours, stirring occasionally and ensuring beans remain submerged.
5

Remove ham hock, shred the meat from the bone, and discard bone and skin. Return shredded meat to the pot, season with salt and black pepper, and simmer uncovered for another 20-30 minutes until broth thickens to a creamy consistency.
6

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with additional black pepper or fresh herbs if desired.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What's the key ingredient in this Ham Hock and Lima Beans Recipe?

The smoked ham hock is the core ingredient, providing deep, smoky flavor and richness that defines this Southern classic. It infuses the beans with savory depth and ensures a truly hearty dish.

Q. What is important about heat control when simmering this dish?

Keeping the pot at a gentle simmer—never a hard boil—is crucial for achieving tender ham and creamy beans. Too much heat can toughen the meat and break apart the beans, whereas low, slow cooking develops the best flavor and silky texture.

Q. How can I prevent the lima beans from turning mushy or undercooked?

Soak the beans well before cooking to ensure even texture, and avoid rapid boiling while simmering. Gentle, even heat along with occasional stirring keeps the beans intact and prevents sticking or uneven cooking.

Q. How much protein and calories does each serving provide?

Each serving contains about 21g of protein and 360 kcal, making it a substantial, protein-rich dish. The protein provides about 23% of the total calorie content per serving.

Best Easy Ham Hock and Lima Beans Recipe

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