Southern-Style Navy Beans with Ham
Southern-Style Navy Beans with Ham
Description
This comforting, slow-cooked navy bean dish is rich in flavor and packed with protein. Made with Doudlah Farms Navy Beans, smoky ham, and classic Southern spices, this dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Doudlah Farms Navy Beans, rinsed and sorted
- 8 cups water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 smoked ham hock (or 1 cup diced smoked ham)
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add onion, celery, carrot, and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Add Seasonings & Ham
Stir in salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, thyme, cayenne (if using), and bay leaf. Add the ham hock (or diced ham) and cook for 2 minutes.
3. Simmer the Beans
Add Doudlah Farms Navy Beans and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender and creamy.
4. Final Touches
Remove the bay leaf and ham hock. If using a ham hock, shred the meat and return it to the pot. Stir in apple cider vinegar and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve & Enjoy
Ladle into bowls, garnish with chopped green onions and serve warm with cornbread or rice.