Creamy Pinto Beans with Country Ham, Celery, Onions, and Garlic, Simmered in Rich Vegetable Broth.

FEATURED STANDOUTS

Pinto Beans

Dried pinto beans are the star of this dish, providing a hearty base and a rich, earthy flavor. They’re packed with protein and fiber, making them a satisfying and nutritious ingredient.

Country Ham

Country ham, with its salty, smoky flavor, adds a depth and complexity to the pinto beans. It’s a key ingredient in Southern cuisine, and its presence elevates this dish to a true Southern classic.  A bone in ham is ideal for this dish.

Celery

Celery adds a fresh, crisp flavor and a subtle crunch to the dish. It compliments the richness of the beans and ham, providing a welcome contrast in texture and taste.

Onions

Onions offer a savory sweetness and a depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish. They’re a staple in many cuisines, and their versatility makes them a valuable addition to this recipe.

Garlic

Garlic provides a pungent, aromatic flavor that complements the other ingredients. It’s a key ingredient in many dishes, and its presence adds a depth and complexity to the pinto beans.

Vegetable Broth

Vegetable broth adds a rich, flavorful base to the dish. It enhances the overall taste and helps to create a cohesive, flavorful meal.

Dried Herb

Dried herbs, such as bay leaf, oregano, and thyme, add a depth and complexity to the flavor profile. They’re a staple in many cuisines, and their presence elevates this dish to a new level of deliciousness.

TIPS & TRICKS FOR THE BEST SOUTHERN STYLE HAM AND PINTOS

Make this recipe with leftover ham

This recipe is the perfect way to use up leftover ham from a holiday meal or roast. The ham adds a rich, smoky flavor to the beans that is simply irresistible. You can use any type of leftover ham, such as bone-in, boneless, or even ham steak.

Boiling down the ham

Boiling the ham bone or ham scraps is a great way to extract even more flavor from the ham. It also helps to create a rich, flavorful broth that will infuse the beans with even more smoky goodness. Simply place the ham bone or scraps in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes to an hour, or until the ham is very tender.

How to soften beans

There are a few different ways to soften beans before cooking them. Soaking the beans overnight in cold water is the most common method. This helps to rehydrate the beans and reduce cooking time. You can also quick-soak the beans by bringing them to a boil in a pot of water, then turning off the heat and letting them soak for an hour. Another option is to cook the beans in a pressure cooker, which can significantly reduce cooking time.

Can you use canned beans for this recipe?

Yes, you can use canned beans for this recipe. This is a great option if you’re short on time or don’t have any dried beans on hand. Simply drain and rinse the canned beans before adding them to the pot. Keep in mind that canned beans are already cooked, so you’ll only need to simmer them for a short time to allow the flavors to meld.

Low and slow cooking

Cooking the beans low and slow is the key to achieving a creamy, flavorful dish. This allows the beans to cook evenly and absorb all of the flavors from the ham and broth. Simmering the beans for several hours will also help to break down their tough outer skins, resulting in a more tender and digestible dish. 

Thickening the beans

There are several ways to thicken your soup, even without flour. One of the simplest methods involves the beans themselves. As the beans cook and soften, they release their natural starches. By lightly mashing a portion of the cooked beans directly in the pot, you can effectively thicken the soup to your desired consistency. This not only adds body but also enhances the flavor, as the mashed beans contribute a creamy texture and intensify the overall bean essence in the dish.

Equipment for Southern Style Ham and Pintos

Large Pot or Dutch Oven

Cutting Board

Sharp Knife

Measuring Cups and Spoons

Can Opener (if using canned beans)

Colander or Strainer

Wooden Spoon or Spatula

Ladle

SIMILAR INGREDIENTS TO

Hickory Walnut & Whiskey Glazed Ham

Hickory Smoked Jalapeno Brown Sugar Ham

Ham, White Bean & Chard Soup

ENJOY THIS RECIPE WITH

ROASTED CHICKEN SANDWICH + BASIL MAYO

SPICED APPLESAUCE CAKE

SOUTHWESTERN SHRIMP SALAD

RECIPE

Marissa Bolden

Southern Style Ham and Pinto Beans

Creamy Pinto Beans with Country Ham, Celery, Onions, and Garlic, Simmered in Rich Vegetable Broth

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 2 Tb Butter
• 6 c Vegetable Stock
• 1 lb Bone-in Ham
• 3 c Soft Pinto Beans
• 8 Garlic Cloves
• 1 Chopped Yellow Onion
• 3 Chopped Celery Stalks
• 2 Minced Carrots
• 1 Minced Jalapeno
• 2 Tb Flour
• 1 Tb Oregano
• 2 Bay Leaves
• 1 Tb Thyme
• 2 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
• 1 Tb Black Pepper
• 1 Tb Garlic Powder
• 1 Tb Salt or to taste

Method

 

1. Sweat the Vegetables: Heat butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion, celery, jalapeno, and carrot. Cook for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with salt.
2. Add Flour: Toss flour into the vegetables and cook for 3 minutes.
3. Simmer the Soup: Add beans, ham, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Stir in garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and bay leaves. Simmer for 1-2 hours, or until the ham falls apart and the soup has reduced by one-fourth.
4. Season and Serve: Add salt and pepper to taste.

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