How to Make Navy Beans and Ham: A Hearty and Delicious Meal
Navy beans and ham is a classic dish that has been a staple in many households for centuries. This comforting and savory meal is made by slowly cooking navy beans with aromatic spices and tender ham. It’s a perfect dish for a cold winter’s night or a special occasion.
What You’ll Need
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to make navy beans and ham:
- 1 pound dried navy beans, sorted and rinsed to remove any debris or stones
- 2 pounds smoked ham hock or 1 pound boneless ham steak, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 pound water or vegetable broth
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s move on to the cooking process.
- Soak the Navy Beans: Rinse the navy beans and sort them through to remove any debris or stones. Place the beans in a large bowl and cover them with water. Let them soak for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- Saute the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, saute the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in a little water until they’re softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the Ham and Spices: Add the diced ham hock or ham steak to the pot and saute for another minute. Stir in the cumin and oregano. Add the soaked navy beans to the pot, along with the water or vegetable broth.
- Slow Cook the Beans: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for at least 6 hours, or until the beans are tender.
- Season and Serve: Salt and pepper the navy beans and ham to taste. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, if desired.
Variations and Tips
While this recipe is a great starting point, there are many ways to customize navy beans and ham to suit your taste. Here are a few variations and tips to keep in mind:
- Add some bacon: If you love a smoky flavor, consider adding some diced bacon to the pot along with the ham.
- Change up the ham: Use a different type of cured ham, such as serrano ham or prosciutto, for a slightly different flavor.
- Add some heat: If you like a little heat in your dish, stir in some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
- Use pressure cooker: If you want to speed up the cooking process, you can use a pressure cooker to cook the beans in half the time.
- Make it a hearty meal: Serve the navy beans and ham with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or over rice or noodles for a filling and satisfying meal.
Troubleshooting
Here are a few common issues that may arise when making navy beans and ham, and some tips on how to troubleshoot them:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Beans are too hard or undercooked | Make sure to soak the beans long enough and reduce the heat to low if the beans are still tough after 6 hours. |
| Beans are too salty | Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of vinegar to balance out the flavor. |
| Ham is too chewy or tough | Use a meat tenderizer or add a splash of vinegar to the pot to help break down the fibers. |
Conclusion
Making navy beans and ham is a simple and rewarding process that requires minimal effort, but yields a rich and satisfying meal. By following these steps and tips, you’ll be able to create a dish that’s both comforting and delicious. With its versatility and endless opportunities for customization, navy beans and ham is a true classic that’s sure to become a staple in your household.
