Perfect comfort food lineup! Here’s a simple set of recipes for pinto beans and ham, cornbread, and air fried potatoes that all work great together:
🫘 Pinto Beans and Ham
Ingredients:
- 1 lb dried pinto beans (or 3 cans, drained & rinsed)
- 1–2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water or low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions:
- If using dried beans: Rinse and soak overnight or do a quick soak (boil 5 minutes, then let sit 1 hour).
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté onion until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add beans, ham, bay leaf, paprika, and enough water/broth to cover by about 2 inches.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer 1.5–2 hours, stirring occasionally. Add more liquid as needed.
- Once beans are tender and creamy, season with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf before serving.
Shortcut: Use canned beans and simmer for about 30 minutes with the ham and aromatics.
🍞 Classic Southern Cornbread
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter or vegetable oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a cast iron skillet or 8×8 baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together dry ingredients.
- In another bowl, combine buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter.
- Stir wet ingredients into dry until just combined. Don’t overmix.
- Pour into preheated skillet or pan. Bake 20–25 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Optional add-ins: Corn kernels, shredded cheddar, chopped jalapeños, or a drizzle of honey on top.
🥔 Crispy Air Fried Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 4 medium potatoes, diced (Yukon Gold or red potatoes work great)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley or Parmesan to finish
Instructions:
- Toss diced potatoes in olive oil and seasonings.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook for 15–20 minutes, shaking basket halfway through.
- Potatoes are done when golden brown and crispy outside, tender inside.
Want to add a sweet tea or cobbler dessert to finish it off?