Southern Comfort Green Beans with Ham and Potatoes

Certainly! Here’s a detailed and tantalizing version of Leah Chase’s Green Beans with Ham and Potatoes, perfect for your “Love With Recipes” site. 🍽️🥔

Leah Chase’s Green Beans with Ham and Potatoes

This scrumptious Southern classic, Leah Chase’s Green Beans with Ham and Potatoes, brings a delightful blend of flavors to your table in under an hour. Originating from a cherished dog-eared page in my Southern Living magazine, this recipe offers a warm, comforting experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. 🥘💚 If you’re looking to elevate the dish, substituting bacon for ham can provide a smoky twist that’s equally irresistible!

Ingredients:

• Butter – ½ cup
• Margarine – 2 ½ tablespoons
• Smoked Ham – 2 cups, diced
• Onions – 3 medium, finely chopped
• Chicken Broth – 2 cups
• New Potatoes – 2 cups, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Black Pepper – 1 teaspoon
• Red Bell Pepper – 1 cup, chopped (added later)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pan:
   In a large pan, melt ½ cup of butter over medium heat. To achieve a rich, creamy base, you can also add 2 ½ tablespoons of margarine. The combination of these fats will give your dish a wonderfully silky texture.

2. Sauté the Meat and Aromatics:
   Add 2 cups of diced smoked ham and 3 finely chopped onions to the pan. Sauté these ingredients together for about 5 minutes until the onions become translucent and the ham starts to release its savory aroma.

3. Combine and Simmer:
   Next, add the rest of the ingredients, except for the red bell pepper. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and stir in 2 cups of bite-sized new potatoes. Season with 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. This initial boil will help to meld the flavors together beautifully.

4. Reduce and Cook:
   Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. The potatoes should be tender, and the ham should be infused with the rich flavors of the broth and spices.

5. Finish with Red Bell Pepper:
   During the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, stir in 1 cup of chopped red bell pepper. This will add a touch of sweetness and color to the dish, making it even more appealing.

6. Serve:
   Once the green beans, ham, and potatoes are perfectly cooked and the red bell pepper is tender, your dish is ready to serve. Enjoy it hot as a hearty side or a satisfying main course!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 151.7
• Fat: 8.2g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 20.3mg
• Sodium: 188.2mg
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 4.5g
• Sugar: 1.6g
• Protein: 4g

Tips for Perfection:

• For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of butter and bacon grease instead of margarine.
• If you prefer a little more spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
• This dish pairs wonderfully with cornbread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Enjoy the comforting, soulful flavors of Leah Chase’s Green Beans with Ham and Potatoes, and let the taste of Southern hospitality fill your home. 🌟🍲

Feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasonings to match your personal taste preferences. Happy cooking!