Hearty Smoky Fava Bean Stew with Ham Hock

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A deeply savory stew with smoky ham hock, tender fava beans, and root vegetables, ideal for comforting cold-weather meals. This american-inspired soups ready in about 300 minutes pairs pound dried fava beans, tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.0 (9 ratings) Prep: 60 min Cook: 240 min Serves 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Drain and rinse 1 pound of soaked dried fava beans. In a large pot, heat 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 6 cloves of minced garlic, 1 medium finely diced yellow onion, 2 diced carrots, and 1 diced celery stalk; cook, stirring occasionally, for 7 minutes until vegetables are softened and golden.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 pound of rinsed ham hock, 2 sprigs of fresh thyme, 2 bay leaves, and 4 cups of vegetable broth; bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
  4. Step 4: Add drained fava beans, cover, and simmer for 4 hours, or until beans are tender and ham hock is falling off the bone.
  5. Step 5: Remove ham hock and thyme sprigs; shred meat from bone and return to pot. Discard bone and bay leaves. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Hearty Smoky Fava Bean Stew with Ham Hock take to make?

Total time is about 300 minutes (60 min prep + 240 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Hearty Smoky Fava Bean Stew with Ham Hock?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pound dried fava beans from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Hearty Smoky Fava Bean Stew with Ham Hock?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Hearty Smoky Fava Bean Stew with Ham Hock for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Hearty Smoky Fava Bean Stew with Ham Hock?

American soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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