Cooking beans with ham bone?

Question

I have a ham bone from a smoked ham I cooked tonight and I would like to cook it in a pot of beans. Can someone tell me the best way to do this?

What kind of beans are best to use? And do I need to soak them overnight? Then do I cook them all day the next day?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Use pinto beans.

Sort the beans. Look for any miscolored ones or beans that look like they were nibbled on by critters. You should soak overnight, but I've cooked them without doing that--it just makes them have to simmer a lot longer before done.

I just put the beans and the ham hock in a crock pot Cover the beans with about 1 inch of water and let them cook on low for 8 to 10 hours. Check the water about every 2 hours. Make sure the beans never run dry.

Your ham bone is salty, so you don't need to add any salt.

Make some cornbread. I hate the stuff, myself, but its okay with a pot of beans.

I serve them with chopped onions and chili powder. It adds a spiciness and a crunch that I like.

Answer 2

Pinto beans are good, there is no need for soaking...All it does is require less cooking time. Just sort through the beans and pick out the bad ones. If you have a slow cooker that will work perfectly. I like to boil water on the stove then add it to the beans (don't forget to salt it)...as far as adding the ham bone it will add delicious flavor to your beans. All you do is throw it in while the beans are cooking and when they are done take it out. Time varies and so does amount of water. Just make sure you don't run out of water or overcook the beans. It usually takes about 2-4 hours (not soaked) with boiling water for a cup of pinto beans. You can also add spices to give it a different flavor. My favorite though is Charro beans...you can find all different variations of recipes.

Answer 3

Dried White Navy Beans are the most popular for this.
Directions are usually printed right on the packet.
If you get them at the Bulk Food store, they have directions.
Basically, you soak them overnight, or at least 3 hours.
Throw the soaking water away, next morning.

Take 1 can of diced tomatoes or fresh seeded tomatoes.
1 minced onion, 1/2 tsp crushed garlic,
1 tbsp Dijon mustard,1/4 cup molasses (or brown sugar).
Place in crock-pot or Dutch oven with the ham-bone.
If you use a slow-cooker, it'll take 5 to 7 hours on medium.

Answer 4

Shay,
A ham bone is okay if there is a lot of meat still on it. What I prefer is 4 ham hocks. They come smoked, so they are tasty, and have a tiny bit of meat on them. At the end of cooking a half cup to a cup of drinking Sauterne adds great flavor. Don't use cooking Sauterne because it's too salty.

Answer 5

cooking beans ham bone

Answer 6

My personal preference are navy beans. But, you can also use pinto beans. Both are good, & both should be soaked overnight. If you have a crockpot, soak them in that with hot water, overnight. The next morning, put your bone in, & pieces of ham, & add any necessary water. Turn the crockpot on low, & let it cook all day. I have other great ideas for crockpot cooking if you'd like!!! Good luck!!

Answer 7

You can use just about any beans you like but I suggest you go to your local store and get a bag of 7 bean soup. Its in the bean section. It just a bag of beans with a packet of broth. it has cooking instructions on it and its great with a ham bone. Also just go online to epicurious.com and lookup bean soup. They have great recipes. Good luck and happy eating.

Answer 8

I usually soak pinto bean in water overnight and then just boil the ham bone in with them the next day until they are nice and soft.