Cherokee Hominy And Beans Recipes

CHEROKEE-STYLE HOMINY

Steps:

• In an iron skillet, fry the bacon until done but not too crispy. Remove bacon, reserving drippings. Saute the onion in the bacon fat until it's tender, do not drain off excess grease. Crumble or cut bacon and return to pan; add the drained hominy. Salt if needed; add black pepper if you like. Fry until hot. Serve as a side dish with breakfast, lunch, or supper.

THREE SISTERS BOWL WITH HOMINY, BEANS AND SQUASH

Steps:

• Place the hominy and tepary beans in separate medium bowls. Add enough water to each to cover the beans by 4 inches, and soak overnight at room temperature.
• About 3 hours before serving, drain the hominy and the beans and place them in separate 3- to 4-quart pots. Add enough cool water to cover the hominy and tepary beans by 4 inches. Set each over high heat, bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer gently, stirring occasionally and skimming any foam that rises to the surface, until tender, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Reserve 2/3 cup of the cooking liquid from each type of beans (for 1 1/3 cups liquid). Drain the hominy and the beans and set aside.
• Meanwhile, prepare the squash: Heat the oven to 425 degrees. On a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet, toss the squash with 1 tablespoon oil and a pinch of coarse sea salt. Arrange the squash in an even layer and roast until golden and very tender, stirring halfway through, 35 to 45 minutes.
• In a large skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high. Add the onion, chile powder, sage and a generous pinch of smoked salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are tender, 5 to 8 minutes. Add the reserved 1 1/3 cups cooking liquid and bring to a simmer.
• Add the cooked hominy and beans to the skillet, then stir in the roasted squash and greens. Season to taste with coarse sea salt and serve.