BUTTER BEANS WITH COUNTRY HAM

BUTTER BEANS WITH COUNTRY HAM image

Provided by Teresa G. @sokygal

Number Of Ingredients 9

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1 teaspoon(s) olive oil or bacon grease
1/2 cup(s) chopped country ham
1/2 cup(s) chopped onion
1-2 pinch(es) fresh ground black pepper
1 clove(s) (medium) garlic, finely minced or pressed
6 cup(s) water
2-2 1/2 cup(s) fresh or frozen butter beans (may use dried if soaked overnight & increase cooking time 1 hour)
1 1/2 -2 teaspoon(s) ham soup base/bouillon (optional)
1/2 teaspoon(s) salt (or to taste)

Steps:

In a 2 quart saucepan, over medium-high heat, saute ham, onions and pepper, until ham just begins to slightly brown.
Add garlic, saute 30 seconds and then add water.
Increase heat, add beans and watching carefully, bring to boil.
Lower heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hrs.
Add ham soup base, stir, cover and simmer for 1/2 hr.
Add salt, stir, then taste for seasoning and doneness of beans. Adjust seasoning as needed. (If you like things a little spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne powder.)
Leave uncovered and let barely simmer to concentrate flavor and reduce liquid slightly.
Serve when beans are tender. Cover and refrigerate leftovers. Recipe may be doubled (use 5 qt. pot.)