SMOKED HAM AND BEANS
3 pounds smoked ham hocks
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1/2 teaspoon ground bay leaves
1 onion, FINELY chopped
3 garlic cloves, FINELY minced
few sprigs Lemon Thyme, FINELY chopped
3 small carrots, diced
1/2 pound parsnips, diced
1/2 cup yellow split peas or 2 cans small navy or cannelini beans
1/2 cup apple cider
3 + 3 (6) cups homemade chicken stock
3 cups water
- Place ham hocks in slow cooker with 3 cups of water and 3 cups of the chicken stock. Cook on LOW for 8 hours.
- Remove ham hocks. When cool enough remove meat from bones and discard skins.
- Heat oil in large skillet.
- Add carrots and onion, sauteing 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Add garlic, thyme and split peas. If using canned beans do not add them yet.
- Stir in remaining chicken stock.
- Transfer everything back to slow cooker including the ham pieces.
- Slow cook for another 4 hours on HIGH – adding canned beans during the last 1/2 hour.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve with crusty bread.