Southern Ham and White Bean Stew
A deeply comforting Southern staple, this white bean and ham stew is slow-cooked to develop a robust, smoky essence. The blend of tender beans, savory pork, and fragrant aromatics results in a warm, rustic dish perfect for cool evenings or traditional gatherings. Serve with a warm slice of cornbread or fluffy rice for a soul-satisfying meal.
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Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 to 1½ pounds of smoked ham bone hock, or leftover ham pieces
- 1 medium-sized yellow onion diced finely
- ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 8 cups of fresh water plus additional as required during cooking
- 1 teaspoon of coarse salt or to preference
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika optional, adds a subtle smoky depth
- 1 dried bay leaf optional, for enhanced aroma
- 1 pound of dry brown or pinto beans rinsed thoroughly and debris removed
Instructions
Optional Bean Soaking (for reduced cooking time):
- Place the rinsed beans in a sizable bowl and fully submerge with cool water. Let them soak overnight, then drain and rinse before use.
- Alternatively, for a rapid soak: boil the beans in water for 2 minutes, remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 1 hour. Drain and rinse prior to proceeding.
Combine and Simmer:
- In a large, heavy-bottomed stockpot or Dutch oven, add the prepped beans, 8 cups of water, ham bone or hock, diced onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and bay leaf if using.
Cooking Method:
- Stovetop: Set the pot over medium-high heat and bring contents to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover loosely and allow to cook for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. Add additional water during cooking to maintain your desired stew consistency.
- Slow Cooker: Transfer all ingredients into the slow cooker. Set to LOW for 6 to 8 hours or HIGH for 4 to 5 hours, cooking until the beans are thoroughly softened.
Finalize and Serve:
- Once cooking is complete, extract the ham bone or hock. Separate the meat from the bone, shred it, and stir the meat back into the stew. Discard the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if necessary.
- Dish out into bowls and pair with freshly baked cornbread, warm biscuits, or serve over rice for a fulfilling Southern-style feast.