Ham & Beans

We had a beautiful ham for Christmas and nibbled on it through the new year.  I was able to work the ham bone into the healthy eating with a batch of pinto beans.  Add a salad and a piece of cornbread and you've got a heathly, filling and good dinner.

1 cup rinsed pinto beans
1 ham bone, you could also use a ham hock
2  carrots, peeled and dice
4 celery stalks, diced
1 onion, diced
2 bay leaves
1 tsp dried thyme
4-5 cups vegetable stock

Traditionally you would soak the beans overnight, I however did not have the time.  But not to worry; as you may know soaking swells the beans slowly, which provides for a better presentation, but if don't mind them breaking a little bit, then boiling is just fine.

Place all ingredients in a 3 qt sauce pan
Bring to a boil then simmer over medium heat till tender- approx. 2 hours
Add additional water if necessary
When tender remove ham bone or ham hock and bay leaves
Finish with salt and pepper to taste

Beans are a great addition to the diet.  They are filling and full of minerals and fiber and rich in protein.

If I've got you enthused about beans and you would like a bit more, try these past blogs:

-Several Recipes: http://blog.sonomacaterers.com/2011/10/great-northern-white.html
-Black Bean Chili: http://blog.sonomacaterers.com/2010/11/kunde-black-bean-chili.html
-White Bean Soup: http://blog.sonomacaterers.com/2010/01/winter-wineland.html