Slow Cooker Ham Hock, Green Bean, and Sweet Potatoes Stew

Learn how to create a savory and satisfying dish with tender ham hocks, green beans, and sweet potatoes in a delightful pineapple juice liquid. A perfect blend of flavors in this slow cooker recipe.

This smoked ham hock stew, featuring green beans and a unique twist with sweet potatoes, might just become a new favorite in your household.

Using a crock pot, you can whip up this dish with minimal effort and let it cook while you go about your day.

Preparing the Ingredients

Start by assembling all your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 2 smoked ham hocks
  • 12 ounces of fresh green beans
  • 3 sweet potatoes (with peelings left on, but feel free to peel them if preferred)
  • 2 cans (6 ounces each) of pineapple juice
  • 1 tablespoon of onion powder (or a fresh onion if you’re up for the extra chopping)
  • 1 cup of water

Getting Started with the Crock Pot

Begin by pouring two six-ounce cans of pineapple juice into your crock pot. Pineapple juice will not only act as the liquid base but also infuse a sweet and tangy flavor that perfectly complements the savory ham hocks and sweet potatoes.

Next, add one tablespoon of onion powder. This allows the dish to have an oniony flavor without the hassle of chopping onions. If you prefer fresh ingredients, feel free to chop up an onion instead. Once the juice and seasoning are in the crock pot, give it a good mix to ensure the flavors are well combined.

Adding the Vegetables

With the base prepared, it’s time to add the vegetables. Start with the green beans. You will need approximately 12 ounces of fresh green beans. Feel free to adjust the quantity based on your preference. Next, add the sweet potatoes.

Leaving the peelings on can add extra texture and nutrients to your dish, but you can peel them if that’s more to your taste. The combination of green beans and sweet potatoes makes the dish colorful and super nutritious.

Mix the vegetables with the liquid base in the crock pot. At this point, you may decide if additional liquid is needed. Generally, one cup of water added at this stage should be enough to ensure that all ingredients are well-soaked but feel free to adjust depending on your preference for a thicker or more broth-like consistency.

Preparing the Ham Hocks

Now, let’s move on to the star of the dish: the smoked ham hocks. Make sure to trim any excess fat from the hocks, as this helps in controlling the richness and making the dish less greasy. Additionally, make cross cuts in the ham hocks. This is a crucial step because it allows the meat to fall off the bone easily as it becomes tender during cooking, making every bite flavorful and easy to eat.

Place the ham hocks snugly on top of the mixture in the crock pot. Ensure they are partially submerged in the liquid to soak up the flavors.

Cooking Time

Cover the crock pot with the lid and set it to cook on high. This dish will typically take about three and a half hours to cook until everything is tender.

If you prefer or have more time, you can set the crock pot to cook on low for about six hours. Since the ham is already cooked, the primary goal is to get the vegetables tender and allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Checking and Serving

After three and a half hours, it’s time to check on your stew. Carefully remove the lid and give everything a good stir.

The meat should be falling off the bones at this point, and the sweet potatoes and green beans should be perfectly tender. Stir the mixture well to break up the meat and ensure all ingredients are uniformly distributed.

Adding a little bit of salt and pepper to taste at this stage can bring the dish together, but remember that the ham adds a lot of its saltiness, so proceed with caution.

Tasting and Feedback

The aroma of this dish is incredible, and the taste does not disappoint. The pineapple juice and sweet potatoes add a sweet undertone, while the smoked ham hocks provide a savory depth.

The green beans, which you may have been skeptical about, blend seamlessly into the dish, adding both color and texture.

Would I make this dish again? Absolutely. The flavors meld together even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

This first-time experiment turned out to be a delightful success, and I’m eager to make it again. If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty meal that’s easy to prepare, this smoked ham hock stew with green beans and sweet potatoes is a must-try.

Final Thoughts

Cooking with a crock pot offers convenience without sacrificing flavor, and this dish is a prime example of that. It’s easy to prepare, and the long cooking time on either high or low settings allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a stew that’s both sweet and savory.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing meals for the week, this recipe is versatile and sure to be a hit. Thanks for joining us in this culinary adventure, and happy cooking!

slow cooker ham, green beans and Potatoes stew

Slow Cooker Ham Hock, Green Beans and Potatoes Stew

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes

Whip up a hearty and comforting stew with smoked ham hocks, green beans, and sweet potatoes in your crock pot. Simple, delicious, and perfect for any chilly day!

Ingredients

  • 2 smoked ham hocks
  • 12 ounces fresh green beans
  • 3 sweet potatoes, optionally peeled
  • 12 ounces (2 cans) pineapple juice
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder or 1 fresh onion, chopped
  • 1 cup water

Instructions

  1. Pour two 6-ounce cans of pineapple juice into the crock pot.
  2. Add 1 tablespoon of onion powder to the juice and stir to combine.
  3. Add 12 ounces of fresh green beans and 3 sweet potatoes (peeled if desired) to the pot.
  4. Pour in 1 cup of water to ensure all ingredients are well-covered.
  5. Trim excess fat from 2 smoked ham hocks and make cross cuts in them.
  6. Place the ham hocks in the crock pot, ensuring they are partially submerged in the liquid.
  7. Cook on high for approximately 3.5 hours or on low for about 6 hours until the vegetables are tender and the meat falls off the bone.
  8. Stir the stew, breaking up the meat for even distribution.
  9. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: per serving
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 350Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 950mgCarbohydrates: 45gFiber: 6gSugar: 15gProtein: 20g

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