Denny O's Ham and Bean Soup

[Denny O]

Dave in AZ cdavis
If you are using whole ham hocks 1 & 1/2 to 2 whole hocks, cut them @ about 1" to 1 & 1/4" thick to stew them in the beans.

[Denny O]

jeffreyf The soda helps from having to soak them and aids in reducing the after burner effects for me.

[Denny O]

samspade You are welcome!

[calldoctoday]

Denny O I have never seen the soda trick used that way. I try to put a tablespoon or so of soda in my dry beans, if I remember, when soaking over night. It seems to help with keeping the beans tender, but firm, when cooking. I rinse it all out though with the first rinse. For the gas, I always was learned to put a bit of Ginger in the beans when cooking, so have done that most all my adult cooking life. It seems to work for me, but not sure it works for everyone.

[Denny O]

calldoctoday
Ginger, Humm, As you might say, There’s one I’ve not seen.
With 2 pounds of navy beans I’ll add a 1/3 to 1/2 cup dry soda after I set the pot in the kitchen sink after I pull it off the fire. Stir and keep stirring, then “After the fire is gone” (song lyrics) let it set, 15 mins or more, RINSE!!

[zbigjeff]

calldoctoday I have used a southern herb called “ground savory” with much success.

[calldoctoday]

zbigjeff I have never tried that before, but might have to add it to a recipe. Seems like it might go well with the White Chili, of course with beans, along with some of the other more traditional spices. Thank you.

[johnsbrewhouse]

I have to be the spoil sport Denny, I never and any soda to any of my beans. I tell my wife and friends “What good are beans with out the after reports” The better the report, the better the bean!

[Denny O]

johnsbrewhouse John, that is quite ok.
It is widely known my way is not the only way.
My aging system does not appreciate what my youth’s once did.

[johnsbrewhouse]

Denny O My digestive system has the same problems, seems everything I eat now days creates upward pressures. They found I had SIBO (Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, too much good bacteria) the last time. Methane and hydrogen are not meant to be produced in the small intestine, meds help a bit but certain carbs cause the problem with me. Mom always talked about the baking soda and soaking beans overnight to remove the gas potential, I never noticed the difference.