Butter Beans with Ham Hock is a classic Southern comfort dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy meal. The rich, smoky taste of ham hock pairs beautifully with creamy butter beans, creating a satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare. Whether you’re serving it up with cornbread or enjoying it on its own, this one-pot wonder is sure to bring warmth to your table. It’s an excellent way to use simple ingredients to make a flavorful and filling meal for family or friends!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb dried butter beans (or canned if you prefer)
- 1 smoked ham hock (or 2, for more flavor)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 6-8 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- Optional: 1-2 tbsp olive oil or butter for sautéing
Instructions:
Prep the beans (if using dried):
- Rinse and sort the dried butter beans, removing any debris.
- Soak them overnight in water, or use the quick soak method (boil beans for 1 minute, cover, and let sit for 1 hour). Drain and rinse after soaking.
Sauté the aromatics:
- Heat a bit of olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Add the ham hock and beans:
- Place the ham hock(s) in the pot along with the butter beans.
- Pour in enough water or broth to cover everything by about 2 inches.
- Toss in the bay leaf, and season with a bit of salt and pepper.
Simmer:
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, until the butter beans are tender and the ham hock is falling apart.
- Check occasionally, adding more water or broth if necessary.
Shred the ham:
- Remove the ham hock from the pot, let it cool slightly, then shred the meat and discard the bone.
- Stir the shredded ham back into the beans.
Season and serve:
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or even a bit of hot sauce if you like some heat.
- Serve hot, with cornbread or rice on the side.
