Southern Pinto Beans With Ham Hocks Just Like Grandma S Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about a home-cooked meal that brings back memories of sitting around the family table. Today, we’re sharing a recipe that embodies the warmth and nostalgia of Southern cooking: Southern Pinto Beans with Ham Hocks, just like grandma used to make.

Southern Pinto Beans With Ham Hocks Just Like Grandma’s Recipe

Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried pinto beans
– 2 ham hocks
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 6 cups chicken broth

Instructions:
1. Begin by sorting through the dried pinto beans to remove any debris or stones. Rinse the beans under cold water and drain them in a colander.
2. In a large pot, combine the rinsed pinto beans, ham hocks, diced onion, minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
4. Once the pot is boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the beans simmer gently. Cover the pot with a lid slightly ajar to allow steam to escape.
5. Let the beans cook for about 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally and adding more water if necessary to keep the beans covered.
6. Check the beans periodically for tenderness. They should be creamy and soft but not falling apart.
7. Once the beans are cooked to your desired tenderness, taste for seasoning and adjust with additional salt and pepper if needed.
8. Remove the ham hocks from the pot and shred the meat, discarding the bones, fat, and skin.
9. Return the shredded meat to the pot, stirring gently to incorporate it into the beans.
10. Serve the Southern Pinto Beans with Ham Hocks hot with a side of cornbread or over steamed white rice.

The aroma of these slow-cooked Southern Pinto Beans with Ham Hocks will fill your kitchen with the most delightful fragrance, reminiscent of cherished family gatherings. This recipe is not only hearty and delicious but also a wonderful way to connect with tradition and savor the simple pleasures of good food. Enjoy the flavors of the South with this timeless dish that’s sure to become a regular in your home-cooked repertoire.