Southern-Style White Beans and Ham

Step 1

Place the dried Northern beans in a colander, rinse the beans off thoroughly sorting through to remove any debris or broken beans at this time.

Step 2

Place the Northern beans in a large pot and add enough water to cover as well as come about 2-3 inches above the beans. Place a tight-fitting lid over the pot and let sit overnight or for at least 8 hours before you begin cooking them.

Step 3

Drain off the water that the Northern beans have soaked in and placed them back in the pot they have soaked in. Add 6-8 cups of vegetable stock to the Northern beans to cover the beans and come about 2-3 inches above them. If the beans become too thick during the process, add more stock to the pot

Step 4

Next, add the chopped Ham steak, diced yellow onions, diced jalapeño peppers, diced celery, and minced garlic to the pot of Northern beans. Place on medium heat and let pot come to a simmer, reduce heat if need be and cook on a low simmer for about 2 hours or 2.5 hours if you prefer a softer bean.

Step 5

The last half of an hour is when you will add your seasoning to the pot, at this time add 2 teaspoons of low-sodium Cajun seasoning or regular, kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper. Cook on low for the last 30 minutes.

Step 6

Serve over white rice with sliced green onions, sliced jalapeño, and Tabasco sauce if desired.