Beans with ham hock

Beans with ham hock: A traditional Romanian recipe full of flavor

Who hasn't heard of the famous beans with ham hock? This dish is a true symbol of Romanian cuisine, often served on special occasions or during winter, when we crave hearty and comforting meals. Made with simple yet flavorful ingredients, beans with ham hock is a recipe that combines tradition with the joy of cooking. Let's discover together how we can prepare it at home, step by step!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 kg of beans (preferably white beans or "chef" beans)
- 1 smoked ham hock (about 800 g - 1 kg)
- 2 large onions
- 1 bell pepper (green or red, according to preference)
- 1 medium carrot
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 250 ml of tomato juice
- 1 tablespoon of pepper paste (optional)
- Thyme (to taste)
- 2 bay leaves
- Ground pepper (to taste)
- Oil (1-2 tablespoons, to taste)

Preparing the beans:

1. Soak the beans: The night before cooking, rinse the beans under cold water and soak them in a large bowl, covered with water. This will help reduce cooking time and make the beans easier to digest.

2. Boil the beans: The next day, drain the beans and place them in a pot with fresh water. Boil over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, then discard the water. Repeat this process twice to help eliminate the gases that can cause bloating.

Preparing the ham hock:

3. Prepare the ham hock: Rinse the ham hock well under cold water. If desired, you can partially bone it to facilitate cooking. In the meantime, cut the ham hock into smaller pieces for even cooking.

4. Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot, add the oil and, over medium heat, sauté the sliced onion and diced bell pepper. Once the onion becomes translucent, add the grated or diced carrot and crushed garlic. Sauté everything for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Cooking the dish:

5. Add the ham hock: Once the vegetables are sautéed, add the pieces of ham hock to the pot. Let them brown slightly, stirring occasionally. This step will add a delicious flavor to the dish.

6. Boil the ingredients: Add water to the pot (enough to cover the meat) and let it simmer over low heat for about 1 hour, until the meat is tender.

7. Add the beans: Once the ham hock is almost cooked, add the boiled and drained beans. Stir well to combine the ingredients.

8. Season: Add the carrot, thyme, bay leaves, pepper, and, if desired, the pepper paste. Then pour in the tomato juice and let it simmer together for another 20-30 minutes. Check periodically and add water if necessary.

Serving the dish:

9. Taste and adjust the seasonings: Before serving, taste the dish and adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you want an extra flavor boost, a slice of lemon can transform the dish!

10. Serve with love: Beans with ham hock is served warm, alongside a cabbage salad or pickles, which add a delicious contrast. Fresh bread is also welcome to complete the meal.

Useful tips:

- For a lighter version, you can replace the ham hock with chicken meat or a mix of vegetables for a vegetarian option.
- If you have leftover beans, they can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated the next day. The flavor becomes even more intense!
- Vary the spices: You can experiment with other herbs, such as oregano or basil, to give the dish a personal touch.

Nutritional information:

Beans with ham hock is an excellent source of protein and fiber, having a higher calorie content due to the fat in the ham hock. In a 300 g serving, you can find approximately 500-600 calories, depending on the amount of meat used. This recipe is rich in vitamins A, C, B6, and minerals such as iron and magnesium.

Frequently asked questions:

- Why do I need to discard the water twice when boiling the beans? This step helps reduce gas, making the beans easier to digest.
- Can I use canned beans? Yes, but make sure to rinse them well before adding them to the dish to remove excess salt.

Beans with ham hock is not just a meal, but a culinary experience that brings family and friends together. So put on your apron, gather the ingredients, and let the aroma of this recipe fill your home with joy and warmth! Bon appétit!