Servings: 8 people
Calories: 260kcal
Ingredients
- 1 lb Dry Navy Beans
- 2 medium Ham Hocks
- 2 tablespoon Butter
- 1 medium Yellow Onion diced
- 3 stalks Celery diced
- 3 Cloves Garlic diced
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 2 sprigs Fresh Thyme
- 1-2 Cheese Rinds
- ½ cup Almond Milk
- ¼ cup Cider Vinegar
- 2 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- ½ teaspoon Allspice
Instructions
- Soak the beans in water overnight.
- Heat a dutch oven pot on medium heat. Add the butter and melt.
- Add the onions and celery then saute 2-3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
- Season as you go so as you saute the vegetables add some of the seasonings.
- Add the ham hocks and saute a minute or two to release some of the flavor.
- Add the bay leaf, cheese rind, beans, plus water. Add more seasoning and the thyme then bring beans to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, add the almond milk. Mix well and cover. Let simmer for 1 ½ - 2 hours.
- Add the cider and let cook another 30 minutes.
- Remove 2 cups of the beans from the pot to a bowl. Smash the beans to a creamy paste using the back of a meat tenderizer or spoon.
- Add the beans back plus the remaining seasoning to the pot and mix well. Allow to cook another five minutes, then serve.
Notes
This recipe works with other beans if you don't have access to dried navy beans. Cannellini beans are a great alternative to navy beans. Lima beans work well also.
Definitely go with dry beans, but make sure you soak them overnight. This will reduce the cooking time and help to get those creamy beans.
Almond milk may sound odd but it does two things. One it adds that nutty almond flavor which makes for a unique tasting experience. Two it adds to that creamy element from a texture perspective.
Cheese rinds are another mystery ingredient. There is a lot of flavor in the rind. Cheese is salt, fat, and some acid. All those elements are present on a small level in the rinds ands some flavor to the beans.
Adding acid in the form of cider vinegar opens and lightens the dish a bit. It's still creamy and comforting but you need something to break up the savory fattiness from the ham hocks.
Season as you go for more of a layered flavor profile.
Serve these beans with a few comfort food sides like Southern collard greens, stewed okra and tomatoes, or instant pot carrots.
Nutrition
Calories: 260kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 456mg | Potassium: 464mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 416IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 83mg | Iron: 2mg
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