Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 8 smoked ham hocks mediums, abt 4 oz ea
  • 2 cups onions chopped
  • 1 pound white beans dried navy
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 10 cups water
  • salt to taste

Method

  • In a medium Dutch oven with a lid, over medium heat, add the oil. When the oil is hot, sear the ham hocks in batches, until brown, about 4 to 6 minutes. Remove the ham hock and set aside.
  • Add the onions. Season with pepper. Saute for 2 minutes. Stir in the beans and bay leaves. Season with pepper. Saute for 1 minute. Add the reserved ham hocks and water. Bring to a boil and reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 2 hours, or until the meat falls of the bone and the beans are creamy. Remove the bay leaves and season with salt and pepper.