Southern White Beans and Ham

Are you a lover of southern white beans and ham? Growing up, there was always a pot of them made during the winter months.

Restaurants here locally serve white beans and ham with fish, hushpuppies and other sides. Free. Just a complimentary side brought to the table with hushpuppies when you are seated. Divine.

Somehow, when things lay heavy on my heart, cooking is soothing for me. Is it that way for you, too? With family affected by the Palisades fire, my prayers and focus took me to the kitchen. It was a baked ham, chili and meatloaf created and added to the freezer on Saturday.

Today? There’s a need for comfort food…and what better “fix” than white beans and ham.

Are you a fan of white beans and ham?

If you aren’t from the south, these may never have made their way to your table. Right? But…if you are a southerner, chances are this was a staple in your home, too.

Recently, I created a new recipe for the southern black eyed peas made for New Year’s Day. Another tradition in our southern home.

A simple bit of inspiration from the packaging took me to add and delete until I was happy.

Why not try to use that recipe to make white beans even better. Since my husband had NEVER liked black eyed peas, but LOVED this year’s new recipe? Why not give this one a go?!!

To begin making white beans and ham?

Tradition says you have to start with dried beans.

Now, my mother always used the entire bag for our family…but, since I may be the only one who actually eats this, I’ll half the recipe I’m sharing today.

A ham hock ALWAYS adds the BEST flavor for this pot of beans.

I had lots of sliced ham from Saturday’s ham…so, dicing a couple of cups was my change for this one today. Really, add a ham hock to the pot if you have one and reduce the amount of ham would be my suggestions. But today? only diced ham was the choice.

Feel free to add that in if you want to change it out for the diced ham in the recipe. There’s just something about the ham bone that gives the loveliest of flavors.

I’ll add a bit of the tomato jam served with these white beans and ham. If you don’t can those, feel free to look for a great tomato relish. Even a green tomato relish is delightful.

Add cornbread or biscuits, and you have created a great comfort food combination.

Perfect for cold weather lunches or evening meals.

Hope you love this one!

Now, any southerner knows that cornbread goes with this pot of white beans and ham.

Can I tell you a secret?

This recipe is better than my mother’s.

Even though mine cooked a little longer than I intended…and I added a bit more ham to the pot than needed?

There’s more flavor and goodness that ticks all the comfort food boxes.

And my husband who hates white beans and ham? He liked them! Who knew a bit of changing up the recipe would work?

Perfect for the cold weather that we are experiencing right now.

Soothing ease for my mind and heart today. Thankful for a miracle, answered prayers and spared Palisades home with family safely with others.

But, continuing to pray for protection for that home and a safe return back soon. And praying for winds to calm, rains to cease fires, and restoration physically, emotionally and spiritually for all affected.

So, you’ll find me in the kitchen. Praying. Cooking.

Making white beans and ham.

One of the perks of cold weather for me? Enjoying all the comfort food favorites that seem to always taste better at this time of year.

Warming. Filling. Flavorful.

Hope you enjoy this one, friends…and that you and all you love are safe and out of harm’s way.