Skip to main content

Lima Beans and Ham Hocks

Lima beans and ham hocks are true southern soul food. The beans supply protein and energy-rich carbohydrates, and the ham adds delicious flavor.

Cooks' Note

Suggested Beverage: A hearty red wine (commonly drunk with bean dishes in Italy and France) or a good beer.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 4

Ingredients

1 pound dried lima beans, thoroughly rinsed
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 yellow onion, chopped
2 celery stalks, diced
2 small carrots, diced
8 cups chicken stock (page 91) or water
1 ham hock
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Place the lima beans in the slow cooker.

    Step 2

    Place a sauté pan over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Add the onion, celery, and carrots and sauté for about 10 minutes, until lightly browned.

    Step 3

    Transfer the contents of the pan to the slow cooker and add the water and ham hock. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 7 hours. Remove the ham hock and strip it of as much fat as you can. Return the meat to the pot and continue to cook for 1 hour, until the beans are very tender. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

    Step 4

    Serve hot, garnished with the parsley.

The Gourmet Slow Cooker: Volume II
Read More
Khao niaow ma muang, or steamed coconut sticky rice with ripe mango, is a classic in Thai cuisine—and you can make it at home.
With just a handful of ingredients, this old-fashioned egg custard is the little black dress of dinner party desserts—simple and effortlessly chic.
With rich chocolate flavor and easy customization, this hot cocoa recipe is just the one you want to get you through winter.
This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.
Crunchy and crowd-pleasing, this salad can be prepared in advance and customized to your heart’s content.
Baking meatballs and green beans on two sides of the same sheet pan streamlines the cooking process for this saucy, savory dinner.
Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.
A garlicky pistachio topping takes this sunny summer pasta from good to great.