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Lima beans and smoked ham hock with a hoecake
135min
Total Time
6 people
Servings
Medium
Difficulty
Moderate
Cost
420 kcal
Calories
Lima beans meet smoky deliciousness in this comforting dish that pairs perfectly with a hoecake!
Ingredients
6
- 1 pound dried lima beans
- 1 smoked ham hock
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
1
Rinse and soak the lima beans in water overnight or for at least 6 hours.
2
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onions until translucent.
3
Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4
Drain the beans and add them to the pot along with the smoked ham hock, chicken broth, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
5
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours or until the beans are tender and creamy.
6
In the meantime, prepare the hoecakes by mixing the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
7
In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs before combining with the dry ingredients to form a batter.
8
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and pour in the batter to make small pancakes. Cook on each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
9
Once the lima beans are cooked, remove the ham hock, shred the meat, and return it to the pot, stirring well before serving.
Kitchen Tools
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups & spoons
Pro Tips
Soak the beans overnight for extra tenderness and quicker cooking.
Adjust the seasoning to your taste; a little cayenne can add a bit of heat.
For a richer flavor, consider adding some herbs like thyme or bay leaves during cooking.
Troubleshooting
If the beans are not softening, ensure they are soaked properly and that you're using enough liquid.
If hoecakes are too dense, consider adding a little more buttermilk to the batter.
Recipe Variations
Add diced bell peppers or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.
Try adding a splash of hot sauce for a kick!
Healthy Alternatives
Substitute the ham hock for smoked turkey or a plant-based alternative for a lighter version.
Use whole grain flour for the hoecakes to increase fiber content.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of sautéed greens or a fresh garden salad.
Top hoecakes with honey or maple syrup for a sweet contrast.
Nutrition Facts
420
Calories
22g
Protein
50g
Carbs
15g
Fat
12g
Fiber
3g
Sugar
800mg
Sodium
75mg
Cholesterol
Dietary Info
Gluten-free
High-protein
Lactose-free
Garnish Ideas
Chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.
A dollop of sour cream goes well with the hoecakes.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing lima beans in the cooking liquid helps preserve flavor.
Leftover Ideas
Mix leftover lima beans into a soup or stew.
Use hoecakes as a base for a breakfast sandwich with eggs and veggies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not soaking the beans long enough can lead to unwanted textures.
Overcrowding the skillet when cooking hoecakes can lead to uneven cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned lima beans instead of dried?
Yes, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time, as canned beans are already cooked.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
You can replace the ham hock with smoked tempeh or simply omit it for a vegetarian option.
Can I make hoecakes in advance?
Yes, hoecakes can be made ahead and reheated in a skillet for best results.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
You can use one cup of milk mixed with one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute.
Reviews
Jennifer
Jul 13, 2026
Absolutely delicious! This dish reminds me of my grandmother's cooking.
Tom
Jul 28, 2026
Great comfort food! The hoecakes were a nice touch.
Laura
Aug 5, 2026
Best lima beans I've ever had! Will definitely make again.
Mark
Jul 11, 2026
Really enjoyed the flavors. The smoked ham hock added depth.
Sophie
Jul 22, 2026
It was good, but I found the beans a bit salty.
Paul
Aug 3, 2026
So easy to make and tastes fantastic!
Mia
Jul 26, 2026
Very hearty and filling. Perfect for a chilly night.
Jake
Jul 31, 2026
My family loved this! Going to become a regular on our dinner table.
Emma
Jul 11, 2026
Delicious! The hoecakes paired well with the beans.
Sam
Jul 12, 2026
Perfectly smoky flavor, although I would reduce the cooking time a bit next time.
Kelly
Jul 20, 2026
This recipe hit all the right notes for comfort food.
Nate
Jul 11, 2026
I added some hot sauce, and it was amazing!
Lucy
Aug 4, 2026
Tasty, but took longer to cook than I expected.
Oliver
Jul 31, 2026
Exceptional flavor profile! Can't wait to make it again.
Ella
Aug 5, 2026
The perfect dish for family gatherings!
Chris
Jul 31, 2026
Great recipe! I'd love to try it with a different meat option next time.
Ava
Jul 30, 2026
This is now my go-to recipe for lima beans!
Ben
Jul 20, 2026
It was good but felt a bit heavy on the salt.
Sophia
Aug 2, 2026
Delicious and hearty! Would recommend to friends.
Leo
Jul 10, 2026
I had a great experience cooking this, very satisfying!
