Ingredients and Weight:
- 2 cups dried white beans
- 1 ham hock
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard (optional)
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 cups water or chicken broth
Preparation Time:
- Soaking Beans: 8 hours or overnight
- Cooking Time: 4-6 hours in a slow cooker
Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Soak the beans in water for 8 hours or overnight.
- Drain the beans and place them in a slow cooker.
- Add ham hock, salt, brown sugar, onion, ketchup, mustard (if using), bay leaves, and water or chicken broth.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours, or until the beans are tender and the sauce is thickened.
- Serve hot or warm with desired side dishes.
Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 total servings)
Calories: approximately 300 calories per serving (depending on the added ingredients)
Carbohydrates: From beans and brown sugar
Protein: From beans and ham hock
Fat: From ham hock and cooking oil (if used)
Dish Characteristics:
- A classic American dish with a sweet and savory flavor combination.
- The ham hock adds a rich, meaty flavor to the beans.
- Slow cooking ensures that the beans are tender and the sauce is fully absorbed into the beans.
User Comments:
- "Love the combination of ham hock and baked beans, really gives it a unique flavor."
- "Cooking in a slow cooker is so convenient, the house smells amazing while it's cooking."
- "Great dish for a family meal, everyone loved it."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Soaking the beans overnight is essential for better texture and faster cooking.
- Adjust the seasoning according to taste. Some people might prefer more salt or sugar.
- If using a different type of beans, adjust the cooking time accordingly. Different beans have different cooking times.
- Ham hocks can be found in most supermarkets in the meat section. If not available, you can substitute with cooked ham or pork belly pieces.
