Irma's Pinto Beans and Smoked Ham Shanks

Dive into the hearty comfort of "Irma's Pinto Beans and Smoked Ham Shanks," a soul-warming dish that’s packed with rich, savory flavors and rustic charm. Slow-simmered to perfection, tender pinto beans are infused with the smoky essence of ham shanks, while aromatic spices like cumin and chili powder add a subtle depth of flavor. This one-pot recipe uses pantry staples like chicken broth, garlic, and onion, along with simple prep and an effortless long simmer, making it a go-to for cozy family dinners. The melt-in-your-mouth shredded ham and creamy beans are perfect served alongside cornbread or rice, making every bite a satisfying, comforting indulgence. With just 20 minutes of prep and a low-and-slow cook time, this dish is ideal for feeding a crowd or freezing for meal prep. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for an optional zesty pop to finish!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:180 mins

Total Time:200 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound Pinto beans
• 2 pieces Smoked ham shanks
• 1 large Yellow onion
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves
• 2 pieces Bay leaves
• 6 cups Chicken broth
• 2 cups Water
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Cumin
• 1 teaspoon Chili powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the pinto beans thoroughly under cold water. Place them in a large bowl and cover with water. Let them soak overnight or for at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse again before cooking.

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.

Step 3

Dice the yellow onion and mince the garlic cloves. Add the onion to the pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute more.

Step 4

Place the smoked ham shanks in the pot and pour in the chicken broth and water. Add the rinsed pinto beans, bay leaves, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine all the ingredients.

Step 5

Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and creamy, and the ham shanks are falling off the bone.

Step 6

During the last 30 minutes of cooking, taste the broth and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Step 7

Once the beans are cooked and the ham is tender, remove the ham shanks from the pot. Allow them to cool slightly before shredding the meat and discarding the bones and any excess fat. Return the shredded ham to the pot and stir to combine.

Step 8

Remove the bay leaves before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve the pinto beans and ham shanks hot, either on their own or with a side of cornbread or rice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2731.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1491.7

Total Fat 63.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 12.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 14.2g
Cholesterol 100mg	0%
Sodium 8541.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 139.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 42.7g	0%
Total Sugars 11.1g
Protein 96.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 439.0mg	0%
Iron 17.4mg	0%
Potassium 3887.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 37.5%

Protein: 25.5%

Carbs: 37.0%