Auntie Ruth's Wash Day Beans

Back when Monday was wash day, you needed a pot of something that could bubble away on the stove while you tended to chores.

Auntie Ruth’s beans are that kind of recipe: toss everything in the pot, let it go low and slow, and come back hours later to a kitchen that smells like heaven.

A ham bone does the heavy lifting here, lending smoky, meaty richness to tender beans swimming in a tomatoey, garlicky broth.

This is humble food at its best. No fuss, no fancy technique, just patience and a good pot.

Pro Tips

• Save ham bones from holiday hams in the freezer specifically for recipes like this. A good bone with some meat still clinging to it makes all the difference.
• Baby lima beans or navy beans both work beautifully here. Limas get creamy and rich; navy beans hold their shape a bit better.
• Don’t skip the cornbread on the side. Crumble it right into the bowl and let it soak up that potlikker.

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add a diced jalapeno or a few shakes of hot sauce for some kick.
• Slow Cooker: Transfer everything to a slow cooker on low for 8 hours if you don’t want to tend the stove.