Fresh Green Bean Recipes With Ham Hock

When you think of fresh green bean recipes, adding ham hock might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but it can transform a simple dish into something truly satisfying. The combination brings together the crispness of the beans with the deep, smoky richness of the ham, creating a balance that’s hard to resist. You might be surprised by how easy it is to prepare, and the results can elevate both everyday meals and special occasions. So, what’s the best way to bring these flavors together? Let’s explore some options.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you try this fresh green bean recipe, you’ll quickly discover its traditional flavor, thanks to the combination of fresh ingredients like green beans and smoked ham hocks.

This dish is easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort, and it’s perfect for family gatherings. The slow cooking process allows the beans to soak up the rich flavors from the ham hocks, making every bite satisfying. Additionally, this recipe is highly rated with a score of 4.93 from 80 votes, showcasing its popularity among home cooks.

You can serve it alongside cornbread or potatoes, enhancing its versatility. Plus, it’s a nutritious option, packed with fiber and vitamins.

Whether you use leftover ham bones or adjust the recipe to suit your taste, this comforting meal is sure to please everyone at the table.

History

Fresh green beans have a rich history that traces back to African traditions, particularly within soul food and black culture. Enslaved Africans used slow-cooked green beans as a way to nourish their families, often incorporating leftover vegetables and less desirable cuts of meat.

By the late 1870s, the use of ham hocks and bacon became common, making these dishes staples in Southern cuisine. The traditional cooking method involved long simmering in broths, creating rich flavors and nutritious meals. Smoked ham hocks serve as a key ingredient, enhancing the overall taste and depth of the dish.

These dishes symbolize resourcefulness, often prepared in large quantities for family gatherings and celebrations. Over time, recipes evolved, but the core principles of using smoked meats and slow cooking remain central, reflecting the resilience of these culinary traditions.

Recipe

Fresh Green Bean Recipe with Ham Hocks

Green beans are a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can be transformed into a delicious dish when paired with the rich, smoky flavors of ham hocks. This recipe provides two methods, allowing you to choose between the slow-cooking convenience of a Crock Pot and the quicker stovetop approach. Both methods yield tender green beans infused with the savory essence of ham, making it a perfect side dish or main course. This dish is especially popular during holidays like Thanksgiving, where it often becomes a family favorite.

Using fresh ingredients enhances the overall taste, and the addition of ham hocks not only adds depth but also provides a satisfying protein element. Whether you opt for the slow cooker or the stovetop, this recipe is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Serve it alongside potatoes or other sides for a hearty meal, or enjoy it as a standalone dish full of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 whole ham hocks
• 1 pound fresh green beans
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: garlic, diced potatoes, red pepper flakes, red wine vinegar

Cooking Instructions:

1. Crock Pot Method: Spray the Crock Pot with nonstick cooking spray and layer the ham hocks at the bottom. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Rinse the fresh green beans and add them, along with the diced onion, chicken broth, and enough water to cover the beans if needed.

2. Cooking Time: Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low heat for 8 hours. If you choose the stovetop method, place the ham hocks in a large pot with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

3. Add Green Beans: For the stovetop, while the ham hocks are simmering, prepare the green beans by removing the tips and tails and snapping them into pieces. After the initial cooking time, add the prepared green beans and salt to the pot.

4. Cook Until Tender: Continue cooking until the green beans are tender, which will take approximately 1 to 1.5 hours on the stovetop. For the Crock Pot, the green beans will be tender after the full 8 hours of cooking.

5. Post-Cooking: Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the ham hocks from the pot or Crock Pot. Shred the meat from the hocks and return it to the dish, stirring to combine.

6. Serving: Serve the dish hot, either as a hearty main course or as a flavorful side dish. Optionally, serve with potatoes or alongside other favorite dishes.

Extra Tips:

When preparing this dish, consider using low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness, especially if you’re adding additional seasonings.

Fresh green beans should be firm and vibrant in color, so select the best quality available.

Feel free to experiment with additional flavor enhancers like garlic or red pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container, and they can be reheated easily for another meal.

Final Thoughts

While enjoying Southern-style green beans with ham hocks, you’ll discover a dish that embodies both tradition and comfort. The smoked ham hocks are essential for creating a savory broth, infusing the green beans with rich flavor. Simmer them before adding the beans to enhance the taste. Remember, long cooking times yield tender beans, but balance the saltiness of the ham hock with other seasonings. Additionally, this dish is traditionally prepared in a Dutch oven, which helps maintain even cooking and flavor distribution.

You can also experiment by substituting smoked turkey or adding spices like red pepper flakes for a kick. Prepare your green beans in advance, and store leftovers in their cooking liquid to keep them moist. This versatile dish is perfect for any gathering and connects you to the heart of Southern cuisine.

FAQ

Got questions about cooking green beans with ham hocks? A ham hock is the smoked shank of a pig, adding a rich, meaty flavor to your dish. You can find ham hocks at supermarkets, butcher shops, and ethnic markets. To enhance the flavor, consider adding garlic, onions, or red pepper flakes. Typically, green beans need to cook for 1 to 2 hours on the stovetop or 6 to 8 hours in a slow cooker. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop. Also, remember that traditional Southern cooking methods enhance flavor and allow for deeper flavor infusion. Feel free to substitute ham hocks with smoked turkey or bacon for a different twist!