Are Lima Beans with Ham Hock healthy?

It can be part of a balanced diet. Lima beans are an excellent source of fiber, protein, and folate. The ham hock adds flavor and protein but also saturated fat and sodium. To make it healthier, use a leaner ham hock and low-sodium broth.

Do I absolutely have to soak the beans overnight?

Soaking is highly recommended for even cooking and a creamier texture. If you're short on time, you can do a 'quick soak': cover beans with water, bring to a boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 1 hour before proceeding with the recipe.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, it freezes very well. Cool the dish completely, then store it in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.

What can I use instead of a ham hock?

A smoked turkey leg or wing is a great, leaner alternative. You can also use diced salt pork or thick-cut bacon, which should be rendered in the pot before adding the onions.

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Lima Beans with Ham Hock

POPULARITY

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TASTE SCORE

8/10

Tender, creamy lima beans slow-simmered with a smoky ham hock until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender. This Southern classic is pure comfort food, perfect served with a side of cornbread to soak up the rich, savory broth.

PREP

15m

COOK

150m

SERVES

1.5 CUPS

1083 cal

SERVINGS

INSTRUCTIONS

5 steps. 150 minutes total.

5 STEPS

1
Step 1
- a.Soak the Lima Beans
- b.Place the dried lima beans in a large bowl and cover with cold water by at least 3 inches.
- c.Let them soak overnight, or for a minimum of 8 hours.
- d.After soaking, drain the beans in a colander and rinse them thoroughly with fresh water.
2
Step 2
- a.Sauté the Aromatics
- b.In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- c.Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it softens and becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- d.Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
3
Step 3
- a.Simmer the Beans and Ham Hock
- b.Add the rinsed lima beans, ham hock, chicken broth, water, bay leaf, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to the pot.
- c.Stir to combine and increase the heat to high, bringing the mixture to a boil.
- d.Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 2 to 2.5 hours.
- e.Stir every 30 minutes to prevent sticking. The beans are done when they are tender and creamy, and the meat on the ham hock is falling off the bone.
4
Step 4
- a.Shred the Ham and Finish the Dish
- b.Carefully remove the ham hock and bay leaf from the pot. Discard the bay leaf.
- c.Place the ham hock on a cutting board to cool for a few minutes until it's safe to handle.
- d.Use two forks to pull the meat from the bone. Discard the bone, skin, and any excess fat.
- e.Shred the meat into bite-sized pieces and return it to the pot with the beans.
- f.Stir the shredded ham into the beans. Taste the broth and now season with salt as needed. The ham hock is salty, so it's crucial to taste first.
- g.Simmer uncovered for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the broth to thicken slightly.
5
Step 5
- a.Serve
- b.Ladle the lima beans and ham into bowls.
- c.Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot with a side of cornbread for soaking up the delicious broth.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
Don't add salt until the end. The ham hock releases a lot of salt during cooking, and adding salt too early can make the beans tough.
2
For creamier beans, mash about half a cup of the cooked beans against the side of the pot with a spoon and stir them back in.
3
If the liquid reduces too much during cooking, add a splash of hot water or broth as needed to keep the beans covered.
4
For extra flavor, you can sear the ham hock in the pot for a few minutes on each side before adding the onions.
5
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavor deepens and improves overnight.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Adapt it for your goals.

Vegetarian Version

Omit the ham hock and butter. Use vegetable broth and add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika and a splash of liquid smoke for a similar smoky flavor. Use olive oil instead of butter.

Spicier Version

Add one finely chopped jalapeño along with the onion, or increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon for a noticeable kick.

Different Beans

This recipe works well with other dried beans like Great Northern beans or pinto beans. Adjust cooking time as needed based on the bean type.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Why this is on our healthy list.

fiber

Rich in Fiber

Lima beans are packed with dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes gut health, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.

muscle

Excellent Source of Protein

The combination of beans and ham provides a significant amount of protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.

minerals

Packed with Micronutrients

This dish is a good source of essential minerals like iron, which is vital for oxygen transport, and manganese, an important antioxidant.

QUESTIONS?

Frequently asked questions

A 1.5-cup serving contains approximately 450-550 calories, primarily depending on the fat content of the specific ham hock used.

PAIRS WELL WITH

Complete meals featuring this recipe

american·25 min·615 cal

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Lima Beans with Ham Hock

For 4 servings

5 steps. 150 minutes total.

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