There’s something magical about cooking with intention, especially when it comes to creating a dish that nourishes both the body and soul. Recently, I found myself inspired by a wonderful video from [Foodamentary: Adventures in Food](link to video) where she shared her take on pinto beans with smoked ham hocks. With a few tweaks, I made the recipe my own, and I’m excited to share it with you today.

This dish, which I’ve named “Spiced Intentions: Slow-Cooked Ham Hock & Pinto Bean Stew,” is a perfect example of how taking the time to cook slowly and thoughtfully can result in a meal that’s not only delicious but also packed with health benefits.

The Inspiration

Watching the original video, I was drawn to the simplicity and heartiness of the dish. Pinto beans, when cooked low and slow with smoked ham hocks, become something truly special—a comforting stew that’s rich in flavor and nutrients. I decided to keep the skin and fat from the ham hocks, allowing all the natural goodness, like collagen, to infuse the broth, making this not just a tasty meal but a healthful one as well.

The Recipe

Here’s how I made my version of this soulful stew:

Yields: 4-6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes + overnight soaking
Cook Time: 6-7 hours

Ingredients:

1 pound dried pinto beans
2 smoked ham hocks
2 cups chicken broth (adjust as needed)
2-3 chili peppers (adjust to taste)
1 large yellow onion, chopped
2-3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1-2 bay leaves
Pepper and garlic salt to taste
Salt (added at the end)

Instructions:

Soak the Beans:
- Rinse the pinto beans thoroughly.
- Place them in a large bowl and cover with cold water by at least 2 inches.
- Let them soak overnight (or for at least 8 hours) in the refrigerator.
Cook the Ham Hocks:
- Wash the ham hocks and place them in a large pot or Dutch oven.
- Add enough water to cover the ham hocks.
- Bring to a rapid boil over high heat.
- Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for about 2 hours.
Add the Beans and Aromatics:
- Drain and rinse the soaked beans.
- Add the beans to the pot with the ham hocks.
- Add the chopped onion, garlic, bay leaves, chili peppers, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and chili powder at this stage.
- Continue to simmer, covered, for another 4 to 5 hours.
Shred the Ham Hocks:
- At the 3rd hour, carefully remove the ham hocks from the pot as the meat should be falling off the bone.
- Set them aside to cool slightly.
- Shred the meat from the hocks, discarding any skin, fat, or bones (or keep some for additional flavor and texture, based on your preference).
- Return the shredded ham hock meat to the pot with the beans.
Combine and Finish:
- Add the reserved ham hock broth and enough chicken broth to reach a total of about 2 cups of liquid in the pot.
- Continue to simmer for another 1-2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld.
Add Salt and Adjust Seasoning:
- Once the beans are tender, season with salt to taste.
- This is a good time to reintroduce any of the previous spices (onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder) if you feel the dish needs a bit more flavor, except for the chili peppers and bay leaves, which should remain in the pot.
Serve:
- Remove the bay leaves.
- Ladle the beans and ham into bowls and enjoy your “Spiced Intentions” stew!

Tips & Substitutions

If you don’t have chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth or water.
Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili peppers or chili powder.
For a thicker stew, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot to release their starches.
Serve with your favorite toppings, such as chopped green onions, cilantro, sour cream, or a squeeze of lime juice.

Cooking with Intention

One of the reasons I love this dish is that it takes time—time to soak the beans, simmer the ham hocks, and let the flavors meld together. In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the beauty of slow cooking, but this recipe is a reminder that good things truly do come to those who wait.

A Note on Salt:

I intentionally delay adding salt until the end of the cooking process. Salt can toughen beans and prevent them from softening properly if added too early. By waiting until the beans are fully cooked, we ensure a creamy and tender texture while still achieving a well-seasoned dish.

Hindsight is 20/20, and while my family loved this stew, I think I’ll add more spice next time. Two chili peppers were not enough for our heat-loving household! But that’s the beauty of this recipe—it’s adaptable. If you prefer a milder stew, you can dial back the spices. If you want more heat, feel free to go wild with the chili peppers and chili powder.

Health Benefits of Pinto Beans & Ham Hocks

Now, let’s talk about the health aspects. Pinto beans are a fantastic source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like folate and magnesium. They help support heart health, regulate blood sugar, and keep you feeling full and satisfied.

As for the ham hocks, cooking them low and slow releases all the goodness trapped within the bones and connective tissues. This includes collagen, which is great for joint health, skin elasticity, and overall well-being. The other ingredients, like garlic and chili peppers, bring their own health benefits, from boosting the immune system to improving circulation.

For those looking to make this dish even more heart-healthy, you can use low-sodium broth or adjust the seasoning to suit your dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

This stew is more than just a meal; it’s a statement of love, patience, and care. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, I encourage you to take the time to enjoy the process. After all, cooking with intention is one of the best ways to nourish not just our bodies but our souls as well.

I’m excited to share a video that walks you through the process, so be sure to check it out below! I hope you enjoy making and savoring this dish as much as my family did. Even if my son decided to pass this time, he missed out on a bowl of pure comfort. ?

Happy cooking, and as always, stay healthy and intentional!

Spiced Intentions: Slow-Cooked Ham Hock & Pinto Bean Stew…