Ham Hocks & Red Beans – Black Foodie Finder

A Traditional Southern Soul Food Favorite

Tender red beans, savory ham hocks, onions, garlic, and red pepper come together in Ham Hocks & Red Beans, a comforting Southern dish filled with rich, homestyle flavor. Featured in The Black Family Reunion Cookbook, this recipe uses simple ingredients and slow simmering to create a hearty, satisfying meal.

Perfect for Sunday dinners, family gatherings, or a comforting weeknight meal, this traditional recipe celebrates the flavors and cooking traditions of African American Southern cuisine.

Ingredients

(Listed exactly as they appear in the cookbook.)

• 1 pound dried red beans
• 2 quarts water
• 1 pound ham hocks
• 1 onion, minced
• 1 red pepper pod
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper

Makes: 4 to 6 servings

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Soak the beans. Soak dried red beans in water for 2 to 3 hours or overnight. Drain.
2. Prepare the pot. Place beans in a large saucepan and cover with the measured water. Bring to a boil.
3. Add the seasonings. Stir in ham hocks, minced onion, red pepper pod, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Simmer until tender. Reduce heat and cook gently for approximately 2 hours, or until the beans and ham hocks are tender.
5. Serve warm. Remove the pepper pod if desired and serve the beans with the flavorful cooking broth.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

• Use smoked ham hocks. Smoked ham hocks add a deeper, richer flavor to the beans.
• Make it creamy. Mash a small portion of the cooked beans against the side of the pot to naturally thicken the broth.
• Adjust the heat. Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra spice.
• Serve Southern-style. Pair with steamed white rice, collard greens, fried cornbread, or warm buttermilk biscuits.

About the Creator

The National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) celebrates African American culinary heritage through The Black Family Reunion Cookbook, preserving recipes that reflect generations of family cooking traditions.

Ham Hocks & Red Beans is identified as a Heritage Recipe in the cookbook, recognizing its connection to traditional African American home cooking.

Beans simmered with pork have long been part of Southern food traditions, offering an economical way to create filling, flavorful meals. Ham hocks contribute smoky, savory richness, while beans provide a hearty foundation that can feed the whole family.

This dish reflects the resourcefulness, traditions, and shared meals that remain central to Southern soul food culture.

The Black Family Reunion Cookbook | National Council of Negro Women

Where to Find This Recipe

The original Ham Hocks & Red Beans recipe appears in The Black Family Reunion Cookbook: Recipes & Food Memories by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc., published by Simon & Schuster.

The cookbook identifies this dish as a Heritage Recipe, highlighting its place among traditional African American recipes preserved in the collection.

This Black Foodie adaptation preserves the original ingredients and cooking method while presenting the instructions in updated language. Pro tips and serving suggestions are additional Black Foodie recommendations.