Next, I pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the beans are completely submerged. I add in the diced ham, thyme, black pepper, and smoked paprika to really elevate the flavor. After giving it a good stir, I cover it with the lid, set it on low, and let it work its magic for about 8 hours. I love that I can just forget about it, knowing it’s slowly bubbling away, filling my home with warmth and deliciousness.
About an hour before serving, I like to check the beans for tenderness. If they aren’t quite there yet, I’ll let them cook a little longer. Once that perfect creamy texture is achieved, I season it with salt to taste. It’s always exciting at this stage because I can already imagine the joy on my family’s faces when they get to dig into this warming meal.
When everything is ready, I scoop the beans and ham into bowls, and if I’m feeling fancy, I sprinkle some chopped green onions or parsley on top for a pop of color. I often pair it with some cornbread or crusty bread to soak up all the lovely juices.
Pro Tips for Best Results
One of my favorite tips is to soak the beans overnight. I tested this three ways—soaked, unsoaked, and quick-soaked—and found that soaking helps them cook evenly and gives the final dish a creamier texture. It’s an extra step, but it’s worthwhile!
Another thing I’ve learned is not to rush the seasoning. I tend to be a little shy with salt at first, but slowly adding it during cooking really helps the flavors to develop better. I often taste as I go, allowing the ham to impart its salty goodness into the dish before adding any extra.
Also, feel free to use leftover ham bones or scraps if you have them! I find that those add a delightful depth of flavor that really enhances the dish. Plus, it’s a lovely way to repurpose leftovers!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the biggest mistakes I made when I first started cooking this dish was not rinsing the beans properly. I used to just throw them in without rinsing them, and it made the finished product a bit gritty. So now, I always make sure to rinse and sort my beans to ensure a smoother texture. (See the next page below to continue…)