On an expedition to see if I could find someone to diagnose my car’s electrical issues, (unsuccessful), we stopped by the Advance Food Market on Adams Blvd in Los Angeles. Although not far from our abode, it was my first visit to that particular store. Trying to keep my quick stop shopping to a handheld basket was difficult but I managed.
Among my finds were both smoked ham hocks and smoked pork necks. These are two of my favorite seasoning meats and unavailable at my local Smart and Final. Needing something to fill my stomach today, I loaded up my fairly new Instant Pot with the pork necks, onion, garlic, and water. It was the first try at the pressure cooking function for me. I know from experience that this brand of smoked pork product would take at least 2 or 3 hours to get properly cooked on the stove so I considered 45 minutes at high pressure for a starting point. I let the pot naturally cool for 20 minutes and releasing the remaining pressure, took of the sealed lid.
The timing was spot on as the bones easily pulled from the meat which was quite tender. After removing the bones, the meat was left to cool and Peruano beans washed then into a 3.5 qt pan with all of the liquid. I do not measure the beans or liquid but time has given me experience to rarely over fill that pot. I know these beans take close to 2 hours to cook on the stove top and did not want to experiment with the Instant Pot under pressure. I frequently check my beans as they cook so I can get them exactly as I like.
Of course the neck meat needed to be supported by additional pork product so ¼ lb of smoked bacon joined the party. There is never enough smoked porky goodness for me. I carefully picked through the neck meat to remove any small bones. Any fat chunks and pieces of connective tissue were added to the beans to totally break down and the meat added back when the beans were done. I did not chop the bacon fine enough so I pulled out the larger pieces and gave them a good fine dice. A pot of Jasmine rice and dinner my friends, is ready.
This simple meal, born in the need to eat cheap, is tasty, nutritious, and delicious. Sometimes the simple virtues are the best. Including the beans, meat, and rice, this filling meal costs only $1.70 .
You too can Make Tasty Smoky Peruano Beans with Pork Neck Bones. Give it a try and be glad you did. Apologies to my Vegan and Vegetarian friends.
During Covid times this is a decent portion for me. Trying to keep off the extra pounds.
