ham northern beans recipe

The Best ham northern beans recipe

I’ve been making ham northern beans recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. This hearty, comforting dish is a staple in many American households, and for good reason.

The combination of tender beans, flavorful ham, and rich broth is a match made in heaven. I love that this recipe is easy to prepare and can be made in large quantities, making it perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in.

The best part? It’s incredibly versatile – you can serve it as a main course, side dish, or even use it as a base for soups or stews.

My kids adore helping me in the kitchen with this recipe, and they always get excited when they see the finished product on the table. The smell of simmering beans and ham wafting through the house is like a warm hug on a chilly day.

I’ve tweaked this recipe over the years to suit our tastes, but the core ingredients remain the same – canned northern beans, diced ham, onion, garlic, and chicken broth. The result is a satisfying meal that’s both nourishing and delicious.

Whether we’re serving it with crusty bread or over rice, this ham northern beans recipe never fails to impress. It’s a true comfort food classic that never goes out of style.

Ham and Northern Beans Stew

4.9 from 1783 votes

A hearty and comforting stew made with tender ham and flavorful northern beans. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner and can be easily customized with your favorite vegetables.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

1 lb ham
1 lb dried northern beans
2 cups water
1 medium onion
2 cloves garlic
2 medium carrots
2 medium potatoes
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp rosemary

Equipment

Large pot
Cutting board
Knife

👨‍🍳Directions

1Soak the dried northern beans in water overnight.
2Drain and set aside.
3Place the large pot over medium heat and add olive oil.
4Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrots and diced potatoes.
5Cook until the onions are translucent and the potatoes are slightly tender, about 5 minutes.
6Add the ham to the pot and cook until it is browned on all sides, about 3-5 minutes.
7Add the drained northern beans, water, salt, black pepper, paprika, thyme, and rosemary to the pot.
8Stir well to combine.
9Bring the mixture to a boil.
10Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the beans are tender and the ham is cooked through.
11Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
12Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
13Serve hot and enjoy.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board
Cooking pan or pot
Spatula or wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 45mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 40g🥦Dietary Fiber: 8g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier stew, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Watch Video Of How Ham and Northern Beans Stew Works

This ham northern beans recipe is one of my go-to’s for any occasion – whether we’re hosting dinner guests or just need a comforting meal after a long day. It’s easy to scale up or down depending on our needs and can be served alongside all sorts of sides or as a standalone dish.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it stores – leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for several days or can be frozen for months. When reheated gently over low heat or in the oven at 300°F (150°C), it retains its tender texture and rich flavors.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Ham and Northern Beans Stew

Q: What type of ham works best in this recipe?

I prefer using a good-quality boneless ham steak or diced cooked ham for this recipe. You can also use leftover roasted ham if you have some on hand.

Q: Can I substitute other types of beans for northern beans?

While you can experiment with other types of beans, keep in mind that their cooking times may vary significantly. For instance, kidney beans cook much faster than northern beans.

Q: How do I prevent the beans from becoming mushy?

To avoid mushy beans, make sure to not overcook them. You can also add a splash of vinegar to help preserve their texture.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately until you’re ready to cook the dish.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftover ham northern beans?

I recommend reheating leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the oven to prevent drying out the dish.

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