Crock Pot Green Beans & Ham
Description
In a delightful twist born from a bountiful harvest, this Crock Pot Green Beans & Ham recipe was created to make the most of an abundant supply of fresh green beans, especially after canning an impressive thirty quarts. This dish has quickly become a cherished “comfort food” favorite for my family, blending the savory essence of smoked ham hock with the vibrant flavor of green beans. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Keep in mind that slow cookers vary in performance; my trusty Rival crock pot, which has been by my side for two decades, cooks at a level that reaches a low boil on the “high” setting. If your appliance has a gentler temperament, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh green beans | 2 pounds |
| Smoked ham hock | 1 |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 2 |
| Onion, chopped | 1 |
| Swanson chicken broth | 2 cups |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 123.3 |
| Total Fat | 1.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 1.3 mg |
| Sodium | 1088.2 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.7 g |
| Sugars | 9 g |
| Protein | 10.2 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Ham Hock: Start by placing the cut-up smoked ham hock at the bottom of your crock pot. This will serve as the flavorful base for the dish, infusing the beans with a rich, savory taste as they cook.
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Rinse and Cut the Beans: Rinse the fresh green beans thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Once cleaned, snap them into halves or thirds, ensuring they are bite-sized for easy serving. This preparation allows the beans to cook evenly and absorb all the wonderful flavors.
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Layer the Ingredients: Gently place the prepared green beans over the ham hock in the crock pot. This layering not only helps to distribute the flavors but also ensures that the beans are cooked perfectly.
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Add Aromatics: Sprinkle the chopped onion and minced garlic over the beans and ham hock. These ingredients will release their aromatic qualities during the cooking process, creating a delightful fragrance that will fill your kitchen.
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Season the Mixture: Season the layered mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. This step enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish, bringing out the best in each ingredient.
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Pour in the Broth: Carefully pour the chicken broth over the entire mixture, ensuring that all ingredients are well moistened. The broth will act as a cooking medium, helping to steam the beans while infusing them with flavor.
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Cook to Perfection: Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook on the high setting for approximately four hours. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary based on your specific crock pot model; if it doesn’t heat as intensely, you might need to extend the cooking time slightly.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the lid and stir the contents gently. The beans should be tender, having absorbed the smoky essence of the ham hock, and the dish will be ready to serve. Ladle the green beans and ham into bowls, and enjoy the comforting flavors that come together beautifully in this hearty dish.
Conclusion
This Crock Pot Green Beans & Ham recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate, perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. With its straightforward preparation and rich flavors, it captures the essence of home-cooked comfort food that is sure to please everyone at the table. So, gather your loved ones, share this delightful dish, and savor the moments spent together!
