Southern Ham and Brown Beans

This Southern pinto beans recipe turns a pound of dry pinto beans and a ham hock into a family-favorite meal that will be enjoyed by multiple generations.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 3 hr 20 mins
• Total Time: 3 hr 35 mins
• Calories: 273 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 8 cups water
• 1 large, meaty ham hock
• 1 pound dry pinto beans
• 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Combine beans, ham hock, onion, and garlic in a large stockpot. Pour in water, then season with chili powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat, cover, and let stand for 1 hour.

Step 2

After 1 hour, return the pot to the stovetop and return to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until flavors have blended and broth has thickened, at least 3 hours, or up to 6 hours.

Step 3

During the last 15 minutes of simmering, transfer ham hock to a cutting board. Let sit until cool enough to handle, 5 to 10 minutes, then pull meat from the bone. Return meat to the stockpot and discard the bone. Adjust seasonings to taste.