Slow-Cooker Beans with Ham Hocks and Collards

Recipe by Bonnie Stoilkovich

Here's an nice recipe to use when you don't want to spend that much time in the kitchen. Just prep everything, throw it in your slow-cooker, and come back in a couple of hours. Serve it with a side of collard greens.

A super easy meal that’s ready when you arrive home from a long day! If you do not have a slow cooker, you can use a dutch oven (or large soup pot) and cook it covered on the stove for about 3 hours. The only difference is you need to be around to stir a bit here and there...but still quite delicious and easy. If you have a pressure cooker or Instapot, that works too, and is obviously faster.

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 lb. dried money beans (or any dry bean) – no need for soaking!

• 1⁄4 cup vegetable oil

• 2-3 strips bacon or a pack of ham hocks

• 1 medium onion – rough chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 chopped tomato

• 1⁄2 cup packed light brown sugar – or 1⁄4 cup honey

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard or regular mustard (optional)

• 4 1⁄2 cups water

Instructions

1. Put the ingredients into a slow cooker (crock pot) on HIGH for 6-8 hours. This is best done in the morning (or night before and stored in the refrigerator!).

2. Add 1 teaspoon of coarse salt AFTER the beans are finished – but always taste it first!

3. I like to eat this with corn tortillas and a green salad. But on it’s own with a good whole grain bread is fantastic too.