Beans with ham served in homemade bread!!!

Beans with ham hock served in homemade bread – a rustic delight, perfect for gathering the family around the table. This recipe is a true composition of flavors and textures, a dish that blends tradition with innovation, transforming a simple meal into a memorable culinary experience.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Ingredients for beans with ham hock:
- 1000 g dried white beans
- 500 g smoked ham hock
- 500 g fresh ham hock
- 2 carrots
- 1 onion
- Iodized salt to taste
- Freshly ground pepper
- Dried thyme
- Dried bay leaves

Ingredients for homemade bread:
- 1000 g flour
- 250 ml water
- 10 g salt
- 15 g sugar
- 15 ml oil
- 45 g dry yeast

A brief history of the recipe

Beans with ham hock is a classic dish often found on traditional tables, appreciated especially for its nutritional richness and savory taste. Beans are an excellent source of plant protein, while the smoked ham hock adds a smoky flavor, transforming these simple ingredients into something truly special. Serving this dish in homemade bread is an innovation that brings an extra touch of rusticity and flavor.

Step by step: Preparing beans with ham hock

1. Preparing the beans:
Start by cleaning the beans of impurities. Then, place the beans in a large bowl with cold water and let them soak overnight. This step is essential to reduce cooking time and achieve a pleasant texture.

2. Boiling the ham hock:
The next day, place the smoked and fresh ham hocks in a large pot, cover them with cold water, and add a teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil and let simmer for about an hour until tender.

3. Boiling the beans:
After the ham hock is cooked, drain the beans from the soaking water and rinse them. Add the beans to the pot with the ham hock and cover with fresh water. Boil the beans for about an hour, or until soft.

4. Preparing the vegetables:
While the beans are boiling, clean the onion and carrots. Chop the onion finely and dice the carrots. In a skillet, add a little oil and sauté the onion and carrot over medium heat until translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

5. Combining the flavors:
Once the beans are cooked, add the sautéed vegetable mixture, the cooked ham hock (deboned and chopped), and season with pepper, thyme, and bay leaves. Let everything simmer together for 20 minutes for the flavors to meld.

Preparing the homemade bread

1. Mixing the ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and dry yeast. Gradually add warm water and oil, mixing well until you obtain a smooth dough.

2. Kneading the dough:
Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. Cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

3. Shaping the loaves:
Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. Shape each piece into a round loaf and place them on a baking tray, with a heat-resistant dish in the middle to create "plates" for the soup. Let them rise for another 30 minutes.

4. Baking the bread:
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Bake the loaves for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.

Serving

Once you are done, it's time to serve. Cut a "plate" from the homemade bread and fill it with the bean soup with ham hock. This dish pairs perfectly with a side of pickled cabbage salad, adding a fresh and crunchy note. If you want to impress, you can sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top.

Tips and tricks

- Ingredients: Choose high-quality beans, preferably organic, for a more pronounced flavor. The smoked ham hock can be replaced with other types of meat, such as bacon or even a mix of vegetables for a vegetarian option.
- Flavors: You can experiment with different spices, such as sweet paprika or hot pepper, to add a spicy note to your dish.
- Quick version: If you're in a hurry, you can use canned beans, which will cook much faster. However, the flavors will not meld as well.

Nutritional information

Beans are an excellent source of fiber, protein, and vitamins, while the ham hock provides a good dose of animal protein. This dish is hearty and nourishing, ideal for a family meal.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use canned beans? Yes, but make sure to rinse them well to remove excess salt and preservatives.
- How can I make the bread softer? Add a little milk instead of water to the dough for a fluffier texture.
- Can I freeze the food? Yes, both the soup and the bread can be frozen. Make sure to let them cool completely before placing them in freezer bags.

Whether you choose to surprise your family with this dish or want to enjoy a comforting meal, beans with ham hock served in homemade bread is definitely a wise choice. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: white beans dried 1000 g. smoked ham 500 g. fresh ham 500 g. carrot 2 pieces onion 1 piece salt, freshly ground pepper, dried thyme, dried bay leaves Ingredients for bread flour 1000 g. water 250 ml. salt 10 g. sugar 15 g. oil 15 ml. dried yeast 45 g.

 Tags:  beans with ham hock