Basic Ham & Beans (Pressure Cooker)

My Secret to Speedy and Flavorful Ham and Beans

As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner needs to be quick, easy, and, most importantly, delicious. For years, I've avoided making ham and beans because of the seemingly endless cooking time. But then I discovered the magic of the pressure cooker, and my life (and dinner routine) changed forever!

This recipe for Basic Ham & Beans, perfectly adapted for my 5-quart electronic pressure cooker, is a testament to that transformation. Forget spending hours simmering; this dish is ready in a fraction of the time, leaving me more time for my family and other pursuits. The pressure cooker locks in all the flavors, creating a rich and hearty meal that's comforting without being time-consuming. It's the kind of recipe that makes even a weeknight feel special.

The key to this recipe's success lies in the simplicity of the ingredients. I use readily available items – a simple yellow onion, garlic, a generous helping of ham (the salty, smoky kind is best!), and a good quality can of white beans. I always rinse my beans thoroughly to remove any discoloration or debris before adding them to the pressure cooker. This little extra step ensures a cleaner taste and a more polished final product.

Seasoning is kept intentionally minimal, allowing the natural flavors of the ham and beans to shine through. A touch of salt and pepper, plus a bay leaf for aromatic depth, are all that's needed. You can easily experiment with other spices, however. Adding a pinch of smoked paprika, for example, would deepen the smoky notes of the ham, complementing its rich taste beautifully. For extra depth, you could also add a splash of your favorite BBQ sauce or apple cider vinegar.

Serving this dish is a breeze. I typically enjoy it with a side of fluffy cornbread, a perfect complement to the savory ham and beans. But you can certainly get creative with the sides. A simple green salad or some crusty bread would also pair beautifully with this meal.

This recipe is more than just a quick and easy dinner; it's a celebration of simplicity and efficiency. It’s a testament to the idea that delicious food doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. And that’s a lesson that applies to so much more than just cooking. The pressure cooker has taught me to appreciate the power of efficient tools and straightforward methods, impacting my approach to cooking, work, and even my personal life.

Beyond the beans: This simple recipe has become the foundation for many of my culinary experiments. I've added vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers; used different cuts of meat; and experimented with varied bean types. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can easily adapt it based on your preferences, seasonal ingredients, or dietary restrictions.

Beyond the kitchen, the efficiency I've learned from pressure cooking has extended to other areas of my life. I've become more mindful of time management, applying the same principles of streamlined planning and quick execution to my workday and my personal life. The pressure cooker, in a way, has become a symbol of efficient living, reminding me to focus on the essentials and savor the simple pleasures.

So, if you're looking for a delicious, effortless meal that fits into a busy lifestyle, give this Basic Ham & Beans recipe a try. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. And who knows, it might even inspire you to find your own efficient solutions in other areas of your life.

Step-by-step

• Cut up onion, garlic and ham.
• Rinse beans and remove any that are discolored.
• Place all ingredients in pressure cooker with seasonings to taste.
• Turn on high pressure for 25 minutes. (If you have an electronic pressure cooker the meat setting is great for this recipe).
• Remove bay leaf.
• Serve with cornbread!