Beans with ham hock and spicy sausages

Beans with ham hock and spicy sausages - a traditional, hearty recipe full of flavors that will fill your home with inviting aromas and bring a smile to your face. This dish has been enjoyed by generations and continues to be a symbol of family gatherings. Here’s how you can prepare your own version of this delicacy.

Preparation time: 3 hours (including soaking time)
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 4 hours
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients:

- 1 kg white beans (preferably large beans for better texture)
- 3 large onions (choose white or yellow onions for sweetness)
- 2 red bell peppers (for added color and flavor)
- 1 piece of ham hock (approximately 800g, can be smoked or fresh, depending on your preference)
- 2 spicy sausages (choose quality sausages that add an intense flavor)
- 2 carrots (for sweetness and a note of freshness)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley (for added aroma)
- 2-3 bay leaves (for a subtle yet intense flavor)
- Peppercorns (about 10, for a balanced taste)
- Salt (to taste)
- Fresh dill (for serving, optional)
- Oil (for frying the sausages and vegetables)

Step by step:

1. Start by washing the beans: Rinse the beans under cold running water, removing impurities. Then, soak them for 3 hours. This step is essential as it helps improve digestibility and reduces cooking time.

2. Boil the beans: After the beans have soaked, drain the water and place the beans in a large pot. Add fresh water and bring to a boil. It’s important to change the water twice during boiling to eliminate certain substances that can make the beans harder to digest.

3. Add the ham hock and vegetables: When the beans are half-cooked (about 30-40 minutes), add the ham hock, grated or diced carrots, parsley, salt, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Continue boiling until the beans are fully cooked and soft.

4. Fry the sausages: In a skillet, add a little oil and fry the sausages until they are golden brown and crispy. Then, remove them to a plate.

5. Sauté the onion and bell pepper: Use the oil in which you fried the sausages to sauté the chopped onion and bell pepper. These vegetables will add an intense flavor and a special aroma to the dish.

6. Finalizing the dish: Once the beans are cooked, drain them, keeping a little of the cooking liquid. Add the bean liquid to the skillet with the onion and bell pepper, then add the fried sausages and the ham hock cut into pieces. Let everything simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes so that the flavors blend perfectly.

7. Serving: Chop the fresh dill and sprinkle it over the beans with ham hock and sausages before serving. This will add a touch of freshness and color. The dish is usually served with pickles or red onion to balance the savory delight of the dish.

Helpful tips:

- For an even more intense flavor, you can add a splash of smoked meat (for example, a smoked bone) during boiling to enhance the aroma.
- Possible variations: Replace spicy sausages with traditional sausages or even vegan sausages for a vegetarian option. You can also add other vegetables, such as celery or zucchini, to enrich the dish.
- Calories: A serving of beans with ham hock and spicy sausages contains approximately 500 calories, but this number can vary depending on the amount of oil used and the type of sausages.

Stories and combinations: Beans with ham hock and sausages is a perfect dish to serve at a festive meal or on a chilly winter evening when you need a comforting portion. It can be accompanied by a cold beer or a dry red wine that highlights the rich flavors of the dish.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use canned beans?: While it’s simpler, canned beans won’t have the same texture and flavor as dried beans. If you choose this option, make sure to rinse them well to remove excess salt.

2. How long does beans with ham hock last?: The dish can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, and the flavor will become even more intense after a day.

3. Is it a healthy recipe?: Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, while the ham hock and sausages add flavor and satiety. However, consumption should be moderate, especially for those monitoring sodium intake.

This recipe for beans with ham hock and spicy sausages is not just a delicious dish, but also an opportunity to gather family and friends around the table to enjoy an unforgettable culinary tradition together. So put on your apron and let’s cook!