Step 2: Prepare and Cook the Ham Hock
While the beans soak, prepare your ham hocks. Start by rinsing the ham hocks to remove any excess salt or debris. In a large pot, place the ham hocks and cover them with water or broth (about 4 cups). Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the ham hocks cook for about 1-1.5 hours until they become tender and release their smoky flavors into the broth.
This broth will serve as the base for your beans, giving them a deep, meaty taste. Once the ham hocks are tender, remove them from the pot and set aside. You’ll add them back later after combining the beans and other ingredients.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients and Simmer
Once the beans have soaked and the ham hocks are cooked, it’s time to combine everything. Drain the soaked beans and add them to the pot with the ham hock broth. Add in your chopped vegetables—onions, garlic, celery, and carrots—along with bay leaves and thyme.
Return the ham hocks to the pot, ensuring they’re nestled in with the beans and veggies. Pour in additional water or broth as needed to cover all the ingredients (about 6-8 cups in total). Bring the pot to a simmer, cover it, and let it cook on low heat for 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The beans should be tender, and the ham hock meat should be falling off the bone.
Best Cooking Methods: Stovetop, Slow Cooker, or Instant Pot
The versatility of white bean and ham hock means you can prepare it using various cooking methods. Each method has its advantages depending on how much time you have and the equipment available. Let’s explore the three most common methods: stovetop, slow cooker, and Instant Pot.
Stovetop Method
This is the traditional method for cooking white bean and ham hock. It allows you to control the heat and monitor the dish closely as it simmers. After combining the soaked beans, ham hocks, and vegetables, simmer everything for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. The stovetop method results in a deep, slow-cooked flavor, but it requires more hands-on attention.
Slow Cooker Method
For those looking for a more hands-off approach, the slow cooker is perfect. After soaking the beans and pre-cooking the ham hocks, transfer everything into the slow cooker. Set it on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. This method ensures tender beans and rich flavors, making it ideal for busy days when you want to prep early and let the meal cook while you go about your day.
Instant Pot Method
The Instant Pot is a great option if you need dinner on the table quickly. After soaking the beans, use the sauté function to soften the vegetables. Then, add the beans, ham hocks, broth, and spices to the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 45 minutes with a natural release. This method speeds up the process significantly while still delivering deep, comforting flavors.
Read more on next page
ADVERTISEMENT
