How to Cook Ham Hocks and Lima Beans in a Crock Pot

Ham hocks and lima beans are a southern favorite.

Lima beans with ham hocks is a popular Southern side dish. When cooked in the crock pot, the beans are soft and juicy and the ham flavor permeates each bite. Beans are a great source of protein as well as vitamins and minerals. With the addition of the ham, this is a nicely-balanced side dish. If a platter of fried chicken is added to the table alongside lima beans and sides of macaroni and cheese and turnip greens, you have the makings of a great Southern meal.

Things You'll Need

• 5- or 6-quart Crock-Pot
• 10 cups water
• 1 lb. dried lima beans
• 4 medium-sized ham hocks, or two large
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups chopped tomatoes, or 1 14 1/2-oz. can of diced tomatoes
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 tsp. pepper
• 2 tsp. salt
• Strainer
• Serving dish

Instructions

1. Place 1 lb. of dried lima beans and 4 cups of water into a 5- or 6-quart crock pot. Soak 8 hours or overnight. Soaking the beans breaks down the starches that can cause intestinal discomfort. After soaking, drain the water and place the beans back into the crock pot.

2. Add the ham hocks, 6 cups of water and 1 small chopped onion to the crock pot of beans. Place the crock into the base, cover and cook the beans and hocks on high for 2 hours.

3. Turn the crock pot to low after 2 hours, and add 2 cups chopped or 1 14 1/2-oz. can of diced tomatoes, along with 1 cup of tomato sauce, 1/2 tsp. pepper and 2 tsp. salt. Continue cooking for 8 to 10 hours.

4. Scoop a bean out with a spoon after 8 hours and blow across the surface. If the skin of the lima bean splits, your beans are done. Place the test bean in your mouth to ensure it is tender and the salt content is sufficient. Add additional salt 1 tsp. at a time, if desired. Check the saltiness after each addition to avoid over-salting your dish. Turn the crock pot off when the desired level of tenderness and saltiness is reached.

5. Ladle the lima beans and ham hocks into a serving dish and serve your meal.

Tips & Warnings

• Lima beans and ham hocks taste great up to a week after cooking. If you don't intend to serve the dish immediately, allow the beans to cool and place into a sealed container in the refrigerator.

References

• CDC: Fruit and Vegetable of the Month-Beans
• Idaho Bean Commission: Nutritional Information