A comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender butter beans cooked with smoky ham and a hint of bacon essence.
In a large pot, bring the water to a gentle boil.
Using a large pot ensures the beans have enough space to cook evenly.
Add the butter beans, smoked ham, and bacon drippings to the boiling water.
Stir gently to combine the ingredients and distribute the flavors.
Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
Taste the broth before adding salt, as the ham may already be salty.
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 90 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Check the water level periodically and add more if needed to prevent the beans from drying out.
Once the beans are tender and the flavors have melded, remove from heat and serve warm.
Serve with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley for added freshness.