Irresistible Southern green beans and ham dish
Picture this: it’s a hot and humid summer day in the South, and you’re sitting at your family’s dinner table. The table is set with crispy fried chicken, creamy mac and cheese, and warm cornbread. But there’s one dish that stands out among the others, one dish that completes the meal: Southern Green Beans, Ham & Potatoes.
As a chef specializing in Southern-style cuisine, I can tell you that this recipe is a staple in many Southern households. It’s a dish that has been passed down through generations and has graced countless dinner tables throughout the South.
Not only is this dish delicious and comforting, but it’s also packed with nutrients from the fresh green beans and potatoes. The ham adds a smoky flavor that complements the sweetness of the green beans perfectly. And let’s not forget about the garlic and cayenne pepper – they add just the right amount of spice to bring everything together.
I urge you to try this recipe for yourself and see what all the fuss is about. Whether you’re new to Southern cooking or just looking for a new addition to your repertoire, Southern Green Beans, Ham & Potatoes is sure to become a favorite in your household as well.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Folks, let me tell you why this southern green beans, ham & potatoes recipe is one of the best things I’ve ever tasted! First and foremost, the combination of fresh green beans, tender ham and soft potatoes cooked to perfection creates an explosion of flavors in your mouth that will leave you breathless.
What’s more, this recipe is a prime example of down-home Southern-style cooking at its finest. It’s comfort food that’ll make you feel good all over. If you’re looking for a hearty meal that’ll fill you up and make you happy, there’s no better choice than this recipe.
But wait, there’s more! You won’t need to go running around town looking for exotic ingredients for this recipe – everything is simple and easy to find. The ingredients are basic but come together perfectly to create this soul food classic. All you need is some fresh green beans, juicy ham hocks, delectable onions and garlic, succulent new potatoes and some basic seasoning like cayenne pepper, sugar and salt.
And finally, there’s nothing in this world like sitting down with friends and family to share a well-cooked meal that warms the heart and feeds the soul. This southern green beans, ham & potatoes recipe is not just a meal – it’s an experience that brings people together.
Take my word for it folks; once you taste this dish and experience the joy of sharing it with loved ones, it’ll instantly become one of your go-to Southern-style recipes. You won’t regret giving it a try!
Ingredient List
For this southern-style green beans, ham, and potatoes recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 pounds of fresh green beans, trimmed
- 4 medium-sized new potatoes, diced into bite-sized cubes
- 1/2 cup of chopped onions (white onion preferably)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ham hock
- 4 slices of smoked ham, chopped to bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh parsley
Note: You can make this recipe even more delicious using different types of meats such as neck bones, bacon, turkey tails or country hams. If you’re looking for a soup-like texture, you can utilize a pressure cooker or a crockpot to make it slow-cooked.
The Recipe How-To
First things first, it’s important to gather all of the necessary ingredients and equipment for this recipe. For the vegetables, you will need 2 pounds of fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces. You will also need 1 medium onion, finely chopped, and 2 garlic cloves, minced.
Next, for the meaty flavor, you will need a meaty piece such as a ham hock or smoked ham. This time around, we will be using ham hocks to provide that smokey flavor for this recipe. If ham hocks are hard to find in your area, don’t worry; you can substitute it with country ham or turkey tails.
Cooking the Vegetables
Start by heating a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add the onion and garlic, then cook them until they start to soften and become fragrant. Carefully add in the ham hocks and allow them to cook until they start to brown on all sides.
Now is the time to add enough water to cover the ham hocks completely. Bring the water to a boil then let it simmer until its fully cooked, stirring frequently.
After an hour of cooking the ham hock, remove it from the pot leaving just enough water cover the green beans and potatoes recipe ingredients.
Next, add green beans into the pot with enough water (around half an inch) over medium-high heat. Let the beans cook until soft (but still slightly crisp) – usually around 8-10 minutes – and then stir them occasionally. If needed so that your “meaty” profile stands out more strongly in your dish try adding a bit of bacon or country ham at this stage.
If needed combine potatoes with green beans in order to cook them both at once.
Adding Finishing Touches
Once the green beans are fully cooked and tender, stir in 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and a handful of finely chopped parsley.
Stir everything together until it is all evenly distributed before removing it from heat.
Best Ways to Serve Southern Green Beans, Ham & Potatoes
Serve while hot with your choice of sides. This is great to pair with cornbread or biscuits for that feel-good-home-cooking experience.
Enjoy your new favorite recipe – your loved ones will Thank You!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous and would like to put your own spin on this Southern Green Beans, Ham & Potatoes recipe, here are a few substitutions and variations you can try out.
Instead of ham hocks, you could use neck bones, bacon, turkey tails or even country ham. These will all add a unique flavor profile that will give the dish a different character.
If fresh green beans are not in season or hard to come by, you can use canned or frozen green beans as substitutes. Just be sure to adjust for cooking time since these are already partially cooked.
For those who prefer extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the onions and garlic. If you have a sweet tooth, increase the amount of sugar to 2 teaspoons for added sweetness.
If you want to make it even easier and simplify the recipe, try slow-cooking the dish in a crockpot or pressure cooker. This will allow you to set it and forget it, leaving plenty of time for other things.
If you want to switch things up and make this Southern Green Beans, Ham & Potatoes recipe into a hearty bean soup, simply add more water or chicken broth and let it simmer for an hour or two. This makes for a delicious soul food meal that everyone will love.
Whatever substitution or variation you choose to go with, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for authentic Southern-style cuisine. So don’t be afraid to mix it up and experiment with new twists on this classic dish.
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving Southern Green Beans, Ham & Potatoes Recipe, the possibilities are endless. You can serve this dish as a standalone main course or as a side dish that complements beef, pork, or chicken entrées.
For those who want to keep things simple in the kitchen, pairing Southern Green Beans, Ham & Potatoes Recipe with fried chicken or pork chops would make for a classic southern-style meal. If you want to mix it up a bit and add some extra flavors and textures, try serving this dish alongside mac and cheese, cornbread muffins, or any other soul food favorites of your choice.
One of the best things about Southern Green Beans, Ham & Potatoes Recipe is that it’s versatile enough to fit any occasion. Whether you are hosting a backyard barbecue, a family dinner, or a holiday feast – this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone satisfied and impressed.
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try something new, consider experimenting with different flavors and ingredients. For instance, adding diced tomatoes or fresh basil can give the dish a Mediterranean twist while using smoked paprika instead of cayenne pepper can lend more depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
No matter how you choose to serve it or how many variations you try along the way, one thing is certain: Southern Green Beans, Ham & Potatoes Recipe is an all-around winner that will transport you straight to the heart of the South with every bite.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
I know how important it is to have meals that can be prepared in advance, and this Southern Green Beans, Ham & Potatoes Recipe is no exception. You can make this dish up to 24 hours ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve it, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until it’s hot.
If you have leftovers, you can also store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish will keep for up to three days, and reheating it on the stove or in the microwave will bring it back to its delicious, soulful flavor.
One tip for reheating: add a little bit of water or chicken broth to the pot or bowl before reheating. This will help prevent the dish from drying out and losing its flavor.
Whether you’re serving this recipe for a Sunday supper or making it ahead of time for a quick weeknight meal, it’s bound to become a new family favorite. The flavors only get better as they meld together, making this dish ideal for slow cooking or making ahead of time.
So go ahead, make some extra and enjoy Southern-style comfort food all week long!
Tips for Perfect Results
To get the most out of this Southern Green Beans, Ham & Potatoes recipe, here are a few tips to ensure perfect results:
1. Cook the potatoes just right:
When cooking potatoes for the recipe, make sure to keep an eye on them and not overcook them. Overcooking will lead to mushy and unappetizing potatoes that won’t hold up well in the dish.
2. Use fresh green beans:
Fresh green beans are key to the success of this recipe. Avoid using canned green beans as they can be too soft and lack the freshness that is needed for this dish.
3. Adjust the seasoning to your taste:
The recipe calls for cayenne pepper and sugar, but you can adjust these seasonings according to your preference. If you like it spicy, go ahead and add a little extra cayenne pepper. On the other hand, if you prefer it sweeter, add more sugar.
4. Don’t be afraid to add more garlic:
Garlic is essential for flavoring this dish. If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add an extra clove or two.
5. Use a Dutch oven or a large pot:
To ensure even cooking throughout the dish, use a Dutch oven or a large pot that will fit all the ingredients comfortably. This way nothing will be overcrowded and unevenly cooked.
By following these tips, you will create a delicious Southern-style meal that will leave everyone coming back for more!
FAQ
As with any recipe, there may be questions that arise while making Southern Green Beans, Ham & Potatoes Recipe. Here are some common questions and answers to help guide you through the process.
How to make green beans more flavorful?
Fresh green beans can be elevated to a whole new level with just a touch of butter, minced garlic, and zesty lemon-pepper seasoning.
Do you rinse green beans before cooking?
To start off, give your beans a good wash and cut off the stems using a pair of kitchen shears. Once you’re done with that, rinse them in a colander while running them under cool water.
Now it’s time to blanch the beans. Gently lower them into a pot of boiling water and leave them for about 3-4 minutes or until they turn a bright green color. After that, immediately transfer them to an ice bath to shock them and stop the cooking process.
Once the beans are chilled, take them out of the ice bath and let them dry. Lay them on a kitchen towel, or better yet, some paper towels to absorb any remaining moisture. Lastly, they are ready to be enjoyed in your dish of choice!
How to make Paula Deen green beans?
Now, it’s time to give those green beans some much-needed attention. Pop them into a heated pan and keep them moving for a couple of minutes until they become fragrant. Then, pour boiling water into the pan, cover it up, and let them steam until tender – this should take around 15 minutes or so. After that, it’s time to add in the vinegar, butter, and a dash of salt and pepper to give them that classic Southern zing. Make sure to give them a good mix to ensure that every single bean is coated in that delicious seasoning.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Southern Green Beans, Ham & Potatoes Recipe is a delicious and hearty dish that will satisfy your craving for soul food. It’s easy to make, can be prepared ahead of time, and reheats well. The combination of fresh green beans, potatoes, and ham hocks or bacon make for a flavorful and satisfying meal that you’ll want to make again and again.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations of this recipe by adding different meats like turkey tails or neck bones, or using a slow cooker instead of a dutch oven. The possibilities are endless!
So next time you’re looking for a comforting, home-cooked meal, give this Southern-style green beans, ham & potatoes recipe a try. Your taste buds (and your dinner guests) will thank you!
Southern Green Beans, Ham & Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 -2 ham hock
- 1 -6 slice bacon (raw)
- 2 onions, coarsely sliced
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 -2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic, to taste
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon parsley (optional)
- 2 -3 lbs fresh green beans
- 1 lb potato, quartered, peeled
Instructions
- Place ham hock and bacon in large Dutch oven pot or soup pot; cover with water.
- Bring to a rapid boil.
- Turn burner to medium to medium-high and let it come to a medium boil.
- Add the sliced onion.
- Let this cook while you wash and snap your beans (about an hour or more).
- Wash beans, cut off ends and break in half.
- Add beans, salt, sugar, garlic, pepper and parsley to the ham hocks.
- Let it come to a boil, then turn burner to medium, to medium-low.
- Let it slow boil for about an hour or more or less, depending on how well you like your beans cooked.
- About 15-20 minutes before done, add your potatoes.
- Boil until tender.