ham bone pinto beans recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best ham bone pinto beans recipe

I’ve been making ham bone pinto beans for years, and it’s a recipe that never fails to impress my family. The dish originated in the southern United States, where it was a staple during the Great Depression. It’s a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for a cold winter night or a special occasion.

The key to this recipe is using a ham bone as the base of the dish, which provides a rich, meaty flavor that’s hard to replicate with other ingredients. To make it, I start by soaking the pinto beans overnight, then I simmer them in a large pot with the ham bone, some onions, garlic, and spices. The resulting stew is incredibly flavorful and filling, and it’s something that my kids always ask for when they come home from school.

I love how this recipe brings people together – whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to be a hit. And let’s not forget the health benefits – pinto beans are packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins, making this recipe a nutritious option for anyone looking for a comforting meal. I’ve made this recipe countless times over the years, but it still never fails to impress.

Whether you’re serving it with cornbread or over rice, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. And because it makes such large quantities, it’s perfect for feeding a big family or taking leftovers to work for lunch. I’ve even used leftover ham bone pinto beans as an ingredient in other recipes – like tacos or salads – which adds extra flavor and texture without any extra effort.

My kids love helping me make this recipe because they can get creative with the toppings – adding diced veggies or shredded cheese is always a fun twist. And because this recipe is so easy to scale up or down depending on your needs, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just need a quick weeknight meal, ham bone pinto beans are always a good idea.

Ham Bone Pinto Beans

4.7 from 1919 votes

A hearty and comforting dish made with ham bone, pinto beans, and aromatic vegetables. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

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

🥘Ingredients

For the Ham Bone Pinto Beans

1 ham bone
1 pound pinto beans
1 onion
2 carrots
2 celery stalks
3 cloves garlic
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp cumin
4 cups water

👨‍🍳Directions

1Rinse pinto beans under cold water and pick out any debris.
2Place beans in a large pot or Dutch oven and cover with water.
3Bring to a boil over high heat.
4Boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let sit for 1 hour.
5This step helps to soften the beans and reduce cooking time
6Place the ham bone in a large pot or Dutch oven and add 4 cups of water.
7Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
8Once boiling, reduce heat to medium and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
9This step helps to extract the flavor from the ham bone
10Drain and rinse the soaked pinto beans.
11Add the beans to the pot with the ham bone and water.
12Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot.
13Stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cumin.
14Stir well to combine all the ingredients
15Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
16Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the beans are tender and the vegetables are soft.
17Stir occasionally to prevent the beans from sticking to the bottom of the pot
18Once the beans are tender, remove the pot from the heat.
19Use a slotted spoon to remove the ham bone from the pot.
20Let it cool slightly, then shred the meat from the bone and discard the bone.
21Return the shredded ham to the pot and stir well to combine
22Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
23Serve the ham bone pinto beans hot, garnished with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
24Enjoy with cornbread or crusty bread for a complete meal

🔧Equipment

Dutch oven or large pot
Wooden spoon
Colander

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 10g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 45mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 40g🥦Dietary Fiber: 10g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: You can use canned pinto beans to reduce cooking time. If using canned beans, add them to the pot in step 4 and simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Watch Video Of How Ham Bone Pinto Beans Works

I love serving ham bone pinto beans at family gatherings because everyone always asks for seconds (and sometimes even thirds!)

This dish is also incredibly versatile – you can serve it as is, over rice, or with some crusty bread on the side.

One of my favorite ways to reheat leftover ham bone pinto beans is by adding some diced veggies and serving them over rice – it makes for an easy and satisfying meal after school sports practices or late-night study sessions.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Ham Bone Pinto Beans

Q: What type of ham bone should I use?

The best type of ham bone to use is one that’s been smoked or cured with salt – these will give your beans the most depth of flavor.

Q: Can I use dried pinto beans instead of canned?

Yes – simply soak the dried beans overnight before cooking them in your recipe.

Q: How long do I need to cook the pinto beans?

The cooking time will depend on whether you’re using dried or canned beans – if using dried beans, plan for at least 8 hours of simmering time.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes – simply brown the onions and garlic before transferring everything to your slow cooker and letting it cook all day.

Q: Are pinto beans good for me?

Pinto beans are an excellent source of fiber and protein – making them an excellent choice for those looking to follow a plant-based diet.

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