If you’re craving a comforting, soul-warming meal, this Pinto Beans with Ham Hocks, Cornbread, and Pickled Onions recipe is just what you need. With tender ham hocks, buttery pinto beans, and a side of tangy pickled onions, this dish is the ultimate in hearty, home-cooked goodness. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ham hocks
- 1 lb pinto beans
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 32-ounce container low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion, minced
- 1 stalk celery, minced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, minced
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 vegetable bouillon cube
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Ham Hocks
- Wash the ham hocks and add them to a stock pot with 8 cups of water. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 hours. This will infuse the broth with rich, smoky flavor.
Step 2: Add the Beans and Seasonings
- After 2 hours, clean and wash the pinto beans. Add them to the stock pot along with the chicken broth, minced garlic, and all the seasonings (cumin, paprika, black pepper, dried parsley, thyme, and the vegetable bouillon cube).
- Cook for an additional 2.5 hours or until the beans are soft and buttery. Stir occasionally and check the consistency of the beans. The ham hocks will become tender and may fall apart, adding flavor to the beans.
Note
- For best results, cook the beans on the stovetop for the full 4.5 hours. Add the beans halfway through the cooking process to keep them firm and avoid mushiness.
Serving Suggestions
This **Pinto Beans with Ham Hocks** is best enjoyed with a side of cornbread and pickled onions. The rich, savory beans pair perfectly with the sweet and tangy cornbread, while the pickled onions add a delightful crunch and acidity.
Enjoy Your Hearty Meal!
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of hearty, homemade beans with flavorful ham hocks. This recipe will fill your kitchen with the comforting aroma of a classic, soul-satisfying meal. Enjoy!
Pinto Beans with Ham Hocks, Cornbread, and Pickled Onions