White Beans and Rice

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If you follow me on instagram, you know that my son LOVES red beans.  Well, he doesnt discriminate.  He loves all beans.  I like cooking white beans when I want to switch things up a little.  Be sure to check out the Instagram reel here!

Ingredients
1 lb of Camellia White Beans
2 yellow onions, diced finely
3 stalks of celery, diced finely
Chicken Broth (Keep on hand to keep liquid levels adequate)
2 tbs Olive Oil
1 lb of cubed ham
1 large ham hock
Slap Ya Mama (to taste)
1 tbs Smoked Paprika 
Badia Complete Seasoning (to taste)
Black Pepper (to taste)
Garlic Powder (to taste)
Onion Powder (to taste)
1 Tbs Thyme 
2 Tbs Oregano
2 Tbs of Parsley
2-3 bay leaves
Green onions (sliced for garnish)
1 tbs Cornstarch (optional)
 Directions:

1. In a 6 quart pot, add the ham hock and water.  Water should be about an inch above the ham hock.
2. Bring this to a boil and allow to boil for about 10 minutes.
3. Add white beans to the pot of boiling water.
4. While the beans are still boiling, on medium heat, add olive oil to a skillet.
5. Add cubed ham and sauté about 3-4 minutes. 
6. Add diced onions, celery and parsley to the same skillet.
7. Continue to cook until veggies are softened.
8. Add sautéed ham and veggies the pot with the boiling white beans.
9. After all of this is added, the mixture should still be boiling.
10. Season with dry seasonings. Note: The ham hock will generate a lot of salt.  Be sure to add seasonings in small increments and taste the gravy in between additions.
11. Liquid should remain about an inch above the beans.  As the liquid starts to recede, add chicken broth to return liquid levels to the proper level.
12. Reduce the heat to a simmer and allow the beans to cook for at least 2 hours or until the beans have softened.  Beans that have not been presoaked will need to cook longer.
13. Note: Continue to check the beans during the 2 hours to check the liquid levels and add chicken broth when necessary.
14. Taste the gravy and add more dry seasonings, if necessary.

Pro tip: If you want to thicken your gravy, mix about a tablespoon of corn starch with water and add to beans.
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