pinto beans with ham bone recipe

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

I’m so excited to share this recipe for pinto beans with ham bone that’s been a staple in our household for years. It’s a traditional dish that’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or even a quick weeknight meal.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal prep time.

Simply place all the ingredients in a large pot, bring to a boil, and let it simmer all day. The result is a hearty, comforting dish that’s full of flavor and nutrients.

My family loves it when I serve it with some crusty bread or over rice. It’s also a great way to get my kids to eat more beans, which are packed with protein and fiber.

Plus, the leftovers are just as good as the first batch, making it a great option for meal prep or a busy day when you need something quick and easy.

Pinto Beans with Ham Bone

4.8 from 946 votes

A hearty and comforting dish made with pinto beans and a ham bone. Perfect for a family meal.

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

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

1 lb pinto beans
1 ham bone
6 cups water
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 bay leaf
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp smoked paprika

👨‍🍳Directions

1Rinse the pinto beans under cold water and pick out any debris.
2Place the beans in a large pot and cover with 6 cups of water.
3Let them soak for at least 8 hours or overnight.
4This step helps to reduce cooking time and improves digestion.
5Place the pot with the soaked beans on high heat and bring to a boil.
6Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium low and let the beans simmer for 10 minutes.
7Skim off any foam that rises to the top.
8This step helps to remove impurities and improves the overall texture of the beans.
9Add the ham bone, onion, garlic, salt, black pepper, bay leaf, oregano, thyme, and smoked paprika to the pot.
10Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
11The ham bone will add a rich, smoky flavor to the beans.
12Cover the pot and let the beans simmer over medium low heat for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the beans are tender and the ham bone is falling apart.
13Stir occasionally to prevent the beans from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
14The beans should be soft and creamy, and the ham bone should be easily shredded with a fork.
15Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.
16Use a slotted spoon to remove the ham bone from the pot.
17Shred the meat from the bone and discard the bone.
18Return the shredded meat to the pot and stir well to combine.
19The shredded meat will add a rich, savory flavor to the beans.
20Taste the beans and adjust the seasoning if needed.
21Serve the pinto beans hot, garnished with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
22The beans can be served as a side dish or as a main course with cornbread or rice.
23Enjoy your hearty and comforting pinto beans with ham bone.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Colander

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 5g💛Saturated Fat: 1.5g❤️Cholesterol: 20mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 10g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add other vegetables like carrots or celery to the pot for added flavor and nutrition. For a spicier dish, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility – it can be served as a main course or side dish, and it’s perfect for any occasion from casual weeknights to special events like holidays or family gatherings. To store leftovers, simply let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.

Reheating is also easy: just place the beans in a saucepan over low heat and add some water or broth if needed to prevent drying out. Serve hot over rice, with some crusty bread on the side, or enjoy as is – however you like it!

This recipe has been passed down through generations in my family, and I’m so glad I can share it with you now.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Pinto Beans with Ham Bone

1. Can I use dried beans or canned beans for this recipe?

You can use either dried or canned beans for this recipe, but I prefer using dried beans. Dried beans have a better texture and flavor, and they’re also more cost-effective. If you use canned beans, you may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid levels, as canned beans are already cooked and may release more liquid during cooking.

2. Can I use a different type of bean?

While pinto beans are traditional for this recipe, you can experiment with other types of beans if you prefer. White beans, kidney beans, or black beans can all work well in this dish. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of bean you choose.

3. How long should I soak the beans?

Soaking the beans overnight is the best way to ensure that they cook evenly and quickly. To do this, simply rinse the beans and place them in a large bowl or pot. Cover them with water and let them soak for at least 8 hours or overnight. Before cooking, drain and rinse the beans. This step helps to remove any impurities and reduces the cooking time.

4. Can I use a different cut of ham?

Yes, you can use a different cut of ham if you prefer. A ham hock or smoked ham shank will also work well in this recipe. Just make sure to choose a cut that has plenty of meat on it, as this will add more flavor to the dish. You can also use leftover ham from a holiday meal, as the bones and meat will still add flavor to the beans.

5. How long can I store leftover beans in the refrigerator?

Leftover pinto beans with ham bone can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply place the beans in a pot and heat over medium heat until warmed through. You may need to add a little water to the pot to prevent the beans from drying out. Alternatively, you can freeze the leftover beans for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

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