Ham Hock and Beans Recipe

🫘 Ingredients

• 1 bag dried beans (15-bean mix or navy beans)
• 4–6 smoked ham hocks
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large bay leaf
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp black pepper
• Salt to taste
• Water (enough to cover beans and hocks)

🔥 Instructions

1. Prep the Beans:
   • Rinse and sort beans to remove debris. Soaking is optional but helps reduce cooking time.
2. Build the Base:
   • In a large Dutch oven, combine beans, ham hocks, onion, garlic, bay leaf, oregano, pepper, and enough water to cover.
3. Simmer Low & Slow:
   • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
   • Simmer uncovered for 4–5 hours, adding water as needed.
4. Shred the Ham:
   • Once ham hocks are tender and falling apart, remove them.
   • Let cool slightly, then shred meat and discard bones and fat.
   • Return meat to the pot and stir.
5. Final Touches:
   • Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
   • Simmer 10 more minutes to meld flavors.