Just Beans

Just Beans Recipe - A Delicious Blend of Pinto, Black, and Lima Beans

Preparation time: 6 hours | Cooking time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Just Beans is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines three different types of beans with smoked ham hock and a touch of molasses. This recipe is a classic comfort food that is perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering.

History

Just Beans has been a staple in Southern cuisine for generations. This dish originated as a simple and affordable way to feed a large family using ingredients that were readily available. Over time, Just Beans has evolved into a beloved comfort food that is enjoyed by people of all ages.

Ingredients

0.5 lb (227 g) of dried pinto beans
0.5 lb (227 g) of dried black beans
0.5 lb (227 g) of dried lima beans
1 smoked ham hock
2 tsp of salt
2 cloves of minced garlic
1 large pimento, chopped
1 small white onion, chopped
0.25 cup of black strap molasses

How to prepare

Soak the beans in cold water for 6 hours.
Drain the water and replace it with fresh water.
Slowly bring the water to a boil.
Add salt, pepper, ham hock, onion, pimento, and garlic, then reduce the heat to medium and cook for 1 hour.
Stir frequently.
Add molasses and cook for an additional 15 minutes.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for a pop of color and flavor.
Use different types of beans, such as kidney beans or navy beans, for a unique twist.
Substitute the smoked ham hock with bacon or sausage for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soaking the beans before cooking helps to reduce cooking time and improve their texture.

- Adding a smoked ham hock adds a rich and savory flavor to the dish.

- Stirring frequently while cooking helps to prevent the beans from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

- Adjust the seasoning to taste by adding more salt, pepper, or molasses as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Just Beans can be served as a main dish with cornbread or rice on the side. It also pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables.

Cooking Techniques

Slowly simmering the beans with the ham hock helps to infuse the dish with a rich and smoky flavor.

- Stirring frequently while cooking helps to prevent the beans from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have pinto, black, and lima beans on hand, you can use any combination of beans that you prefer.

- If you don't have a smoked ham hock, you can use bacon or sausage for a similar flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Just Beans can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Just Beans in a large bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions on top for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Just Beans pairs well with cornbread, rice, or a side salad. It also goes well with grilled meats or roasted vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Just Beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Just Beans contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Just Beans contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Just Beans contains approximately 2 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Just Beans contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Just Beans is a good source of iron, potassium, and fiber.

Alergens

Just Beans contains no common allergens.

Summary

Just Beans is a nutritious and filling dish that is high in protein and fiber. It is a great option for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Summary

Just Beans is a classic comfort food that is easy to make and full of flavor. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering, and is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Just Beans. It was a warm summer day, just like any other, and I was wandering through the bustling streets of the local farmer's market. The smell of fresh produce wafted through the air, enticing me to explore each and every stall.

As I made my way through the market, my eyes landed on a small stand tucked away in a corner. There, a kindly old woman with a weathered face and a twinkle in her eye was selling an assortment of dried beans. Intrigued by the vibrant colors and shapes of the beans, I approached her stand and struck up a conversation.

The old woman introduced herself as Mrs. Jenkins and explained that she had been selling beans at the market for over thirty years. She regaled me with stories of her childhood spent on a farm, where her mother would cook up delicious meals using beans as the main ingredient.

Intrigued by her tales, I asked Mrs. Jenkins if she had any favorite bean recipes to share. A smile spread across her wrinkled face as she reached into a tattered old recipe book and pulled out a yellowed piece of paper. She handed it to me, saying, "This here is my family's recipe for Just Beans. It's simple, but oh so delicious."

I eagerly took the recipe and thanked Mrs. Jenkins for her generosity. As I walked away from her stand, I couldn't wait to try my hand at making Just Beans in my own kitchen.

Once I arrived home, I gathered all the ingredients listed on the recipe – dried beans, onion, garlic, tomatoes, and a few spices. As I soaked the beans and chopped the vegetables, I couldn't shake the feeling of excitement that coursed through me. I was about to embark on a culinary adventure, guided by the wisdom of Mrs. Jenkins and her family recipe.

I followed the instructions on the recipe carefully, simmering the beans and vegetables together in a pot until they were tender and fragrant. The aroma that filled my kitchen was intoxicating, promising a delicious meal to come.

After a few hours of patient simmering, I ladled a steaming bowl of Just Beans into a bowl and took my first bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth – earthy beans, tangy tomatoes, and a hint of spice that lingered on my tongue. It was a simple dish, but it was utterly satisfying in its simplicity.

As I savored each spoonful of Just Beans, I couldn't help but think back to Mrs. Jenkins and the stories she had shared with me at the farmer's market. Her recipe had transported me back to a time when meals were made with love and care, using the freshest ingredients available.

From that day on, Just Beans became a staple in my kitchen. I would make a big batch every week, savoring each bowlful and sharing the recipe with friends and family who came to visit. The dish never failed to impress, and I took pride in knowing that I had learned it from a kind old woman at the farmer's market.

Years passed, and Mrs. Jenkins' stand at the market eventually disappeared, but her recipe for Just Beans lived on in my kitchen. It became a beloved tradition in my family, passed down from generation to generation as a reminder of the power of simple, wholesome cooking.

And so, every time I make a pot of Just Beans, I think of Mrs. Jenkins and the moment I stumbled upon her recipe at the farmer's market. It serves as a reminder of the joy of discovering new flavors and the magic of sharing food with loved ones. I may never know the full extent of Mrs. Jenkins' culinary wisdom, but I am forever grateful for the gift of Just Beans that she bestowed upon me that warm summer day.