Old Fashioned Ham and Beans with Smoked Ham Hocks

Ingredients

• 1 lb Dry Navy Beans
• 2 medium Ham Hocks
• 2 tbsp Butter
• 1 medium Yellow Onion (diced)
• 3 stalks Celery (diced)
• 3 Cloves Garlic (diced)
• 1 Bay Leaf
• 2 sprigs Fresh Thyme
• 1-2 Cheese Rinds
• 1/2 cup Almond Milk
• 1/4 cup Cider Vinegar
• 2 tsp Paprika
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Pepper
• 1/2 tsp Allspice

Instructions

1. 1

   Soak the beans in water overnight.

2. 2

   Heat a dutch oven pot on medium heat. Add the butter and melt.

3. 3

   Add the onions and celery then saute 2-3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook another 30 seconds.

4. 4

   Season as you go so as you saute the vegetables add some of the seasonings.

5. 5

   Add the ham hocks and saute a minute or two to release some of the flavor.

6. 6

   Add the bay leaf, cheese rind, beans, plus water. Add more seasoning and the thyme then bring beans to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, add the almond milk. Mix well and cover. Let simmer for 1 1/2 - 2 hours.

7. 7

   Add the cider and let cook another 30 minutes.

8. 8

   Remove 2 cups of the beans from the pot to a bowl. Smash the beans to a creamy paste using the back of a meat tenderizer or spoon.

9. 9

   Add the beans back plus the remaining seasoning to the pot and mix well. Allow to cook another five minutes, then serve.