Hommade Pinto Beans Ham Hocks Cornbread And Pickled Onions

If you’re in the mood for a hearty, soul-satisfying meal, our Homemade Pinto Beans with Ham Hocks, Cornbread, and Pickled Onions is just the ticket. This classic Southern combination brings together savory pinto beans, smoky ham hocks, fluffy cornbread, and tangy pickled onions for a meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe will warm you from the inside out. Let’s dive into how you can create this delicious spread at home!

Ingredients

For the Pinto Beans with Ham Hocks:

• 1 pound dried pinto beans, soaked overnight
• 2 smoked ham hocks
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Cornbread:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

For the Pickled Onions:

• 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pinto Beans with Ham Hocks

1. Drain and rinse the soaked pinto beans.
2. In a large pot, add the soaked beans, ham hocks, chopped onion, minced garlic, bell pepper, and celery.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, bay leaves, dried thyme, and paprika.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 2-3 hours, or until the beans are tender and the ham hocks are cooked through. Stir occasionally and add more broth or water if needed.
5. Remove the ham hocks, shred the meat, and return it to the pot. Discard the bones and bay leaves. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 2: Make the Cornbread

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish or a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, melted butter, and egg until well combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool slightly before cutting into squares or wedges.

Step 3: Prepare the Pickled Onions

1. In a small saucepan, combine the white vinegar, water, sugar, salt, black peppercorns, and mustard seeds (if using). Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt are dissolved.
2. Place the thinly sliced onions in a heatproof jar or bowl.
3. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the onions, ensuring they are fully submerged. Let the onions cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Step 4: Serve

1. Ladle the pinto beans and ham hocks into bowls.
2. Serve with warm cornbread on the side and a few spoonfuls of pickled onions on top or alongside.
3. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful meal with your favorite side dishes or on its own!

Tips and Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the bean mixture for a bit of heat.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the ham hocks and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version of the beans.
• Extra Flavor: Incorporate additional spices such as cumin or chili powder into the beans for extra depth of flavor.

Our Homemade Pinto Beans with Ham Hocks, Cornbread, and Pickled Onions is a classic comfort food combination that’s sure to please everyone at your table. Each component complements the others perfectly, creating a meal that’s as hearty as it is delicious.

We’d love to hear how your meal turned out! Share your experience in the comments or tag us on social media with your version of this comforting recipe.