FOOD
Butter Beans with Ham Hocks
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Ingredients:
- 1 pound dried butter beans
- 2 ham hocks
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 bay leaf
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Butter Beans:
- Rinse the dried butter beans under cold water and pick out any debris.
- Soak the beans overnight in a large bowl with enough water to cover them.
- Cook the Ham Hocks:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ham hocks and brown them on all sides for about 5 minutes.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Add chopped onions, minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Drain the soaked butter beans and add them to the pot.
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth.
- Add the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer:
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beans are tender.
- Cook Ham Hocks:
- Once the beans are tender, remove the ham hocks from the pot. Take the meat off the bones, shred it, and return the meat to the pot.
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the beans and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve:
- Discard the bay leaf.
- Ladle the butter beans into bowls, making sure to include some ham hock meat in each serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the butter beans with ham hocks hot, accompanied by crusty bread or over rice.
This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for a comforting meal, especially during colder weather. The ham hocks add a rich and smoky flavor to the butter beans, making it a satisfying and delicious option for lunch or dinner.
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