Beans with Smoked Ham Hock

Smoked Ham Hock Bean Stew - a traditional recipe, full of flavor and history

Who doesn't love the enticing aroma of a bean stew with smoked ham hock? This recipe is not just a dish, but a culinary story that has been passed down through generations. Beans, a staple ingredient in many cultures, symbolize prosperity, while the smoked ham hock adds a touch of refinement and depth to the flavor. Today, I will guide you step by step to achieve a perfect result that will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Servings: 6

Necessary ingredients:

- 700g dried beans (about 1 ½ cups)
- 1kg smoked ham hock (can also use other smoked meats, according to preference)
- 1 bell pepper (or sweet pepper)
- 1 carrot
- 1 onion
- 200g tomato paste (or fresh crushed tomatoes)
- 1 celery root
- Fresh lovage leaves
- 1-2 sprigs of oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Hot pepper, for serving (optional)

Nutritional information (per serving):

- Calories: approximately 450 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 12g

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the beans: Start by washing the beans under cold running water. Then, soak them in cold water for at least 4-6 hours (ideally overnight). This step will not only reduce cooking time but also make the beans more digestible. After soaking, drain the water and rinse again.

2. Boiling the beans: In a large pot, add the beans and fill with fresh water. Place the pot over medium heat and bring to a boil. After about an hour, when the beans have started to boil, change the water and continue boiling the beans in clean water. This is an important trick to avoid difficult digestion.

3. Adding the ham hock and vegetables: After the beans have boiled for about an hour, add the smoked ham hock cut into pieces, diced bell pepper, finely chopped carrot, onion, and cubed celery. Mix well to combine the flavors.

4. Seasoning: Once all the ingredients are in the pot, add the tomato paste, salt to taste, lovage leaves, and oregano. These aromatic herbs will give the dish a special flavor. Let everything simmer on low heat for about an hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Finishing: In the last 10-15 minutes of cooking, taste the dish and adjust the salt if needed. If desired, you can add more tomato paste for a richer flavor. Allow it to simmer for a few more minutes, then turn off the heat.

6. Serving: Treat yourself to a feast! Serve the smoked ham hock bean stew in deep bowls and garnish with fresh lovage leaves. The hot pepper is a perfect accompaniment for those who prefer a bit of spice. The dish also pairs excellently with homemade pickles, green tomatoes, or pickled cucumbers.

Practical tips:

- Variations: You can experiment with different types of smoked meat or even vegetarian options using mushrooms or smoked tofu.
- Slow cooking: If you have a crock-pot, you can let the ingredients simmer slowly for 6-8 hours. This will intensify the flavors.
- Leftovers: The smoked ham hock bean stew is even tastier the next day when the flavors have had time to develop. You can reheat it and serve it with a slice of freshly baked homemade bread.

Personal story: This recipe reminds me of my childhood when my grandmother would cook smoked ham hock bean stew every Sunday. We would all gather around the table, and the enticing smell would bring us together. It’s a recipe that not only nourishes but also brings people together.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use canned beans?: While dried beans are preferred for this recipe, you can use canned beans. Just make sure to rinse them well before adding them to the pot.
- What other vegetables can I add?: You can experiment with carrots, zucchini, or even potatoes. Each vegetable will add a unique note to the dish.
- How can I make the dish vegetarian?: You can replace the ham hock with a combination of mushrooms and smoked tofu, and instead of tomato paste, use fresh tomatoes or tomato juice.

In conclusion, smoked ham hock bean stew is an easy-to-make recipe that brings warmth and comfort on cooler days. With every bite, you will feel not only the flavor but also the tradition and love that surrounds it. So, get cooking! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: beans (I put 1 1/2 bowls, about 700g) 1kg smoked ham hock 1 bell pepper 1 carrot 1 onion tomato paste celery lovage leaves, celery, salt, oregano