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Pinto beans with ham

At Christmas, I froze the leftover ham bone and forgot all about it until I was craving a big pot of beans. The original recipe calls for smoked ham hocks, but check your freezer first for what you might have stashed there.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Soak time 12 hours
Course Main Course

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound dried pinto beans, soaked overnight
  • 1 quart chicken broth
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 large onion, cut in half
  • 1 pound smoked ham hocks or large ham bone
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • salt, to taste
  • finely chopped onion
  • bacon crumbles

Instructions
 

  • In large pot, soak beans in salt water overnight, or for 8-12 hours. Drain water and pick through beans for any stones, etc.
  • When ready to cook, add soaked beans, stock, water, halved onion, ham and bay leaves to a large pot.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover with lid and cook, stirring occasionally, for 1.5 hours.
  • When ready to serve, remove bay leaves, season with seasonings and top with chopped onions and bacon crumbles.

Notes

  • Adapted from Grandbaby Cakes
  • To store in refrigerator, cool completely and transfer to airtight container.  Use within 4 days.
  • To freeze, store in airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight