Ham And Bean Bake

In the NutriGuide test kitchen, Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas refined this classic Ham And Bean Bake to celebrate vibrant, wholesome ingredients. By prioritizing aromatic layering and precise thermal control, this recipe achieves remarkable culinary depth while preserving natural micronutrients and wholesome texture.

At NutriGuide, our mission is to ensure that home cooking is both accessible and culinary-grade. When executing Ham And Bean Bake, focus on fresh aromatics, dry surface contact for proper searing, and allowing the food to rest before serving.

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 small green pepper, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 2 cups cubed fully cooked ham
• 1 (16 ounce) can kidney beans,
• rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans,
• rinsed and drained
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can Italian diced
• tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon prepared mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
• CORN BREAD TOPPING:
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups milk
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 (8 ounce) can cream-style corn

Chef's Sourcing & Quality Tips:

• Produce & Aromatics: Always use fresh whole aromatics and seasonal herbs rather than dehydrated powders when possible.
• Cooking Oils: Utilize cold-pressed oils with appropriate smoke points such as extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil.
• Salt & Seasoning: Season from a modest height above the pan to ensure an even, uniform crystalline dispersion.

Follow these sequential steps with careful attention to sensory cues and cooking temperatures:

Step 1: Technique & Execution

In a large skillet, saute onion, green pepper and garlic in butter until tender

Step 2: Technique & Execution

Stir in ham, beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, mustard, salt, pepper and hot pepper sauce

Step 3: Technique & Execution

Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder and salt

Step 4: Technique & Execution

In another bowl, combine the milk, egg and oil; stir in corn

Step 5: Technique & Execution

Add to cornmeal mixture just until combined

Step 6: Technique & Execution

Transfer the hot bean mixture to a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish