Guernsey Bean Jar - Ham Hock Bean Soup Recipe

Step into the cozy, comforting world of Guernsey cuisine with the legendary Guernsey Bean Jar! This isn't just any `bean stew recipe`; it's a centuries-old tradition, a heartwarming `pork stew slow cooker` masterpiece that has nourished islanders for generations. Imagine a time when busy households needed a simple, hearty meal that could cook itself all day – that's where the Bean Jar comes in. Originally prepared in a special `bean cooking pot` and left to slow cook in a communal oven, this dish embodies resilience, community, and delicious simplicity.
Today, whether you're looking for a classic `ham hock bean soup` or a convenient `slow cooker beans recipe`, the Guernsey Bean Jar offers a rich, flavorful experience that connects you directly to the island's heritage. It's beloved for its unpretentious ingredients, its incredible depth of flavor that only comes from hours of gentle simmering, and its ability to turn humble components into something truly extraordinary. Get ready to embrace this iconic dish, perfect for a cozy night in, and discover why this `bean and ham soup with ham bone` (or trotters!) remains a timeless favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 pigs trotter or 1 lb (450g) shin of beef, cut into large chunks
• ½ lb (200g) haricot beans, dried
• ½ lb (200g) butter beans, dried
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 pints (1.1 liters) of good quality beef stock or water

Directions

1. Soak the Beans: The night before you plan to cook, place both the haricot beans and butter beans in separate bowls. Cover them generously with cold water and let them soak overnight (at least 8-12 hours). This crucial step helps them cook evenly and reduces cooking time.
2. Prepare Your Pot: Drain the soaked beans well. In a large, heavy-bottomed casserole dish, oven-safe pot (like a Dutch oven), or your slow cooker, combine the drained beans, your chosen meat (pigs trotter or beef shin), chopped onion, diced carrots, and the bay leaf.Add Liquid & Season: Pour in the beef stock or water, ensuring all ingredients are mostly submerged. Season generously with salt and pepper. Remember, you can always add more seasoning later, but you can't take it away!
3. Slow Cook to Perfection:
   1. Oven Method: Cover your casserole dish tightly with a lid. Place it in a moderate oven (around 300°F / 150°C) and cook for 6-8 hours.
   2. Slow Cooker Method: Cover your slow cooker and set it to the LOW setting for 6-8 hours, or HIGH for 3-4 hours if you're in a bit more of a hurry (though low and slow is best for flavor development!).
4. Check and Adjust: During the cooking process, especially if using an oven, occasionally check the liquid level. If it looks too dry, add a little more hot stock or water. Give it a gentle stir and taste for seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper as needed.
5. Serve It Up: Once the cooking time is complete, the beans should be wonderfully tender, and the meat should be falling off the bone (if using trotters) or easily shreddable. Carefully remove the bay leaf and any large bones from the meat before serving. Ladle the hot, fragrant `ham hock bean soup` into bowls.