Pinto Beans with Ham Hocks, Cornbread & Pickled Onions

Hearty and flavorful pinto beans slow-cooked with smoky ham hocks, served alongside golden cornbread and tangy pickled onions—a comforting Southern classic!

Recipe Card 📋

Servings & Timing:

• Prep Time: 15 mins

• Cook Time: 4 hrs 30 mins

• Total Time: 4 hrs 45 mins

• Servings: 8 servings

• Dietary Badges: High-Protein, Comfort Food, W-W Friendly

Ingredients:

• 🍖 2 lbs ham hocks

• 🥜 1 lb pinto beans

• 🧄 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 🍗 32 oz reduced-sodium chicken broth

• 🧈 1 tbsp butter

• 🧅 1 medium onion, minced

• 🌿 1 stalk celery, minced

• 🫑 ½ green bell pepper, minced

• 🌶️ ½ tsp cumin

• 🔥 1 tsp paprika

• 🌑 ½ tsp black pepper

• 🌱 1 tsp dried parsley

• 🍃 1 tsp dried thyme

• 🥕 1 vegetable bouillon cube

• 💧 8 cups water

Instructions:

1. Cook Ham Hocks:
   Rinse ham hocks and add to a large stockpot with 8 cups water. Boil for 2 hours.

2. Add Beans and Seasonings:
   After 2 hours, rinse and drain pinto beans. Add beans to the pot along with chicken broth, minced garlic, butter, onion, celery, bell pepper, cumin, paprika, black pepper, dried parsley, dried thyme, and vegetable bouillon cube.

3. Continue Cooking:
   Simmer gently for another 2½ hours, or until beans become tender and buttery. Stir occasionally, adding additional water or broth if necessary.

4. Serve Warm:
   Serve the beans and ham hocks hot alongside fresh cornbread and pickled onions.

Additional Notes 💡:

• Beans added halfway through cooking maintain a firm yet creamy texture.

• If desired, adjust spices to taste.

Nutrition Facts (per serving) 📊:

• Calories: 350 kcal

• Carbs: 40g

• Protein: 22g

• Fat: 10g

• Fiber: 12g

• W-W Points: Approx. 7 W-W points per serving

Tips & Variations 🌟:

• Serve with fresh-baked cornbread, pickled onions, or your favorite greens.

• For a smokier flavor, add a splash of liquid smoke during cooking.

• Substitute ham hocks with smoked turkey legs or vegetarian alternatives like smoked paprika and vegetable stock for a meatless version.

Enjoy your comforting Pinto Beans with Ham Hocks! Let me know if you’d like any other recipes formatted similarly! 😊