HAM & BEANS WITH DUMPLINGS

HAM & BEANS WITH DUMPLINGS image

Provided by Ellen Bales

Time 3h40m

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 lb dry great northern beans
2 qt cold water
1 meaty ham bone or
1 large ham steak, cut into cubes
1/2 tsp salt
6 peppercorns, whole black
1 bay leaf
1 medium onion, sliced or diced
DUMPLINGS:
1 c all purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 c milk
2 Tbsp vegetable oil

Steps:

1. Wash the beans and discard any irregular or discolored ones; add 2 quarts cold water and soak overnight.
2. Drain the old water and add 2 quarts fresh cold water into a large soup pot or Dutch oven. Place beans, ham, salt, peppercorns, and bay leaf into pot; cover. Simmer on low heat for 3 to 3 1/2 hours. Add onion for the last half-hour.
3. If using ham bone, remove and cut the meat off; add ham to soup. If using ham steak cubes, leave in soup. Season to taste.
4. FOR DUMPLINGS: Mix flour, baking powder, and salt into mixing bowl. Combine milk and vegetable oil separately. Add all at once to dry mixture, stirring just until moistened.
5. Turn heat to medium to high under beans and bring them back to a boil. Drop batter from tablespoon atop bubbling beans. Cover tightly; let mixture return to boiling. Reduce heat (don't lift cover); simmer 12 to 15 minutes. Makes about 10 dumplings. Serve with plenty of cornbread.