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Best Easy Pinto Beans with Ham Recipe

Name: Best Easy Pinto Beans with Ham Recipe
Total time: 250 min
Yield: 340 g
Ingredients: pinto beans, dried 2 cups; smoked ham hock or ham bone 1 lb; onion, chopped 1 cup; carrot, diced 1 cup; celery, diced 0.5 cup; garlic, minced 3 cloves; water 6 cups; bay leaf 1 piece; ground black pepper 0.5 tsp; dried thyme 0.5 tsp; salt 1 tsp

Slow-simmered pinto beans with smoked ham deliver a hearty, protein-rich Southern family dinner on a budget. Served over rice with cornbread, this comforting dish is a weeknight staple across Appalachia.

Cook 250 min Difficulty NORMAL 340 kcal

#southern #high protein #budget #comfort food

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Ingredients

Main ingredients

pinto beans, dried 2 cups
smoked ham hock or ham bone 1 lb
onion, chopped 1 cup
carrot, diced 1 cup
celery, diced 0.5 cup
garlic, minced 3 cloves
water 6 cups

Seasonings/Sauce

bay leaf 1 piece
ground black pepper 0.5 tsp
dried thyme 0.5 tsp
salt 1 tsp

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 44 g 51%

Protein 19 g 22%

Fat 7 g 27%

Serving size 340g

Cooking steps

1

Pick through and rinse the pinto beans well; soak in water overnight or use a quick-soak method for faster prep.
2

In a large heavy pot, sauté the chopped onion, carrot, and celery over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute more.
3

Add soaked beans, ham hock, bay leaf, dried thyme, pepper, and water to the pot. Bring to a boil over high heat.
4

Reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover with the lid slightly ajar and cook for 2–2.5 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
5

When beans are tender and the meat is falling off the bone, remove the ham hock. Shred the ham, discard the bay leaf and any bones, and return meat to the pot. Add salt, adjust seasoning, and simmer uncovered for another 10–15 minutes to thicken to your liking.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What's the key ingredient in this Best Easy Pinto Beans with Ham Recipe?

The star ingredient is dried pinto beans, which define the dish’s hearty texture and savory base. The smoked ham hock or ham bone infuses the beans with rich, smoky flavor while providing extra protein and depth. Onion, carrot, celery, and classic Southern seasonings round out this comforting meal.

Q. What cooking tips help achieve perfectly tender beans and flavorful ham?

For the most tender beans, it's essential to soak them overnight. Simmer the beans slowly over low heat with the lid slightly ajar for 2 to 2.5 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent beans from sticking and breaking, and keep the temperature gentle—rapid boiling can cause beans to split or become mushy.

Q. How do I avoid mushy beans or tough ham in this recipe?

To prevent mushy beans, monitor the simmering temperature closely—keep it low and steady after the initial boil. Avoid over-stirring during cooking. For tender ham, use a smoked ham hock or bone and give it ample simmering time so the meat becomes fall-apart soft before shredding back into the pot.

Q. What are the nutrition highlights per serving?

Each serving (340g) delivers around 340 kcal, with 19g protein (22% of calories), 44g carbohydrates (51%), and 7g fat (27%). The high protein content makes this a satisfying meal, while the carbohydrate and fat levels provide balanced energy.

Best Easy Pinto Beans with Ham Recipe

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