Green beans with smoked ham hock
Smoked Ham Hock Beans - A Rustic Recipe Full of Flavor and Tradition
Who could resist a delicious serving of smoked ham hock beans? This recipe combines the authentic taste of simple ingredients with the richness of smoked meat, offering a comforting and flavorful dish. Moreover, it evokes memories of family meals, of winters spent around the table, where each ingredient tells a story of traditions and memories.
Preparation time: 1 hour
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 2 hours
Servings: 4-6
Main ingredients:
- 500 g dried beans
- 1 smoked ham hock
- 1 large carrot (for boiling)
- 1 onion (for boiling)
- 1 bell pepper
- salt
- 1 bay leaf
For the sauce preparation:
- 3 onions
- 1 large carrot
- 2-3 tablespoons of tomato paste
- a little thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- salt/Delikat
- pepper
- fresh dill, chopped
Step-by-step preparation:
1. Preparing the beans: Start by rinsing the beans well under cold running water. Then, place the beans in a bowl with cold water and let them soak for an hour. This will not only help the beans swell but will also reduce the cooking time. If you are in a hurry and don’t have time to wait, you can boil the beans directly, discarding the water twice to eliminate toxins.
2. Boiling the beans: After the beans have soaked, transfer them to a pressure cooker. Add the grated carrot, chopped onion, salt, and bay leaf. Cook under pressure for 40 minutes. Once the time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally before opening the lid. Use a slotted spoon to remove most of the cooked beans, which you will use later.
3. Bean soup: From the remaining beans and broth, you can prepare a delicious bean soup by adding some pieces of smoked ham hock. This will be an excellent serving option before the main dish.
4. Preparing the sauce: In a separate pot, heat a little oil and add 3 onions and a large carrot, either finely chopped or grated. Sauté until the onion turns golden. Add the pieces of smoked ham hock and brown them slightly, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
5. Combining the ingredients: Once the ham hock is browned, add 3-4 ladles of bean soup, tomato paste, drained beans, bay leaves, pepper, a little thyme, salt, or Delikat. Let it simmer until the liquid reduces and thickens. This step can also be done in the oven if you prefer a more uniform dish with concentrated flavors.
6. Finalizing the dish: Once the sauce reaches the desired consistency, turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped dill on top. This will add a fresh and aromatic note to your dish.
7. Serving: Smoked ham hock beans are served hot, ideally alongside a pickled vegetable or a tangy salad, such as a cabbage salad. This will perfectly contrast with the rich and smoky flavor of the dish.
Tips and useful advice:
- If you want to intensify the flavor of the ham hock, you can brown it before adding it to the dish.
- For a vegetarian version, you can use smoked mushrooms or marinated tofu.
- Make sure the dill is fresh, as it brings a vibrant note and wonderful flavor to the dish.
Nutritional benefits:
Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and micronutrients. They are very filling, making them ideal for family meals. The smoked ham hock adds a quality protein boost, as well as an intense flavor. Additionally, this recipe is low in calories and can be a healthy option for those looking to maintain their weight.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use canned beans?
Yes, but the cooking time will be significantly reduced. Make sure to rinse them well before use.
2. Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, smoked ham hock beans can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, and the flavor will intensify as it sits.
3. What other recipes can it be combined with?
This dish pairs excellently with pickled cabbage salad or mashed potatoes, and for dessert, an apple pie or fruit tart will perfectly complete the meal.
Create unforgettable memories in your kitchen with this recipe for smoked ham hock beans. Whether you prepare it for a family meal or bring it to a gathering, it is sure to be appreciated by all. Enjoy!
Ingredients: a smoked ham hock For boiling: 500 g dried beans one large carrot one onion one bell pepper salt one bay leaf Separately: 3 onions one large carrot 2-3 tablespoons of tomato paste a little thyme 2 bay leaves salt/seasoning pepper dill
