Ingredients and Weight:
- Ham: 500 grams (1 pound)
- Beans (e.g., kidney beans, pinto beans): 2 cups (cooked)
- Onion: 1 large, chopped
- Garlic: 3-4 cloves, minced
- Chicken broth or stock: 3 cups
- Thyme: 1 teaspoon (dried) or a sprig of fresh
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Extra ingredients for seasoning (e.g., bay leaves, oregano)
Preparation Time:
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour (including soaking beans if not pre-cooked)
Difficulty Level:
Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Soak beans in water for several hours or use pre-cooked beans.
- In a large pot, combine beans with chicken broth or stock. Bring to a boil.
- Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and dried thyme. Reduce heat and let simmer for about 45 minutes.
- Add ham pieces and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for another 15 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding extra ingredients like bay leaves or oregano if desired.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or as a side dish for a meal.
Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 500 grams ham and 2 cups cooked beans)
Calories: Approx. 400-500 (depending on ham type and additional ingredients)
Protein: 30-40 grams
Fat: Moderate (mostly from ham)
Carbohydrates: From beans and starch in the broth
Fiber: High due to beans
Dish Characteristics:
- Hearty and flavorful, perfect for colder weather.
- Great balance of protein, carbs, and fiber from ham and beans.
- Can be customized with different beans or seasoning to suit different tastes.
User Comments:
- "Love the combination of flavors in this dish! The ham and beans make it hearty and comforting."
- "This dish is a great way to enjoy ham and beans in a creative way."
- "The addition of fresh thyme and bay leaves gives this dish a great aroma and flavor."
- "I added some spicy chili flakes for a kick, made it really tasty!"
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Soaking beans is optional if using pre-cooked beans, but soaking helps reduce cooking time and makes beans more digestible.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste. Start with less salt and add more if needed.
- For a more authentic flavor, use ham bone or leftover ham from a previous meal to enhance the broth's flavor.
