Green Beans and Ham Hocks
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 4-5 hearty servings
Description:
When the weather outside is chilly and snowflakes dance in the air, there’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of comfort food to warm you up from the inside out. These green beans and ham hocks are a quintessential example of soul-soothing fare, delivering robust flavors and cozy vibes with every spoonful. Bursting with savory goodness, this dish requires minimal seasoning thanks to the natural flavors of the ingredients. While salt is unnecessary due to the inherent saltiness of the ham hocks, feel free to tailor the seasoning to your taste preferences. Whether enjoyed as a standalone meal accompanied by fluffy cornbread or served as a delectable side dish alongside your favorite meats, these green beans and ham hocks promise to elevate any dining experience. Plus, with the option to transform them into a hearty soup by incorporating additional vegetables, this versatile recipe is sure to become a household favorite during the colder months.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound green beans, snapped or cut into one-inch pieces
- 2-3 smoked ham hocks, trimmed of outer skin and fat, and cut into smaller pieces
- 1 bottle of beer
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
- Prepare the Green Beans: Begin by snapping or cutting the green beans into bite-sized pieces, approximately one inch in length.
- Rinse the Green Beans: Thoroughly rinse the cut green beans under cold water to remove any dirt or debris, then place them in a large crockpot or a sizable pan.
- Prepare the Ham Hocks: Take the smoked ham hocks and trim off any excess outer skin and fat. If possible, cut the ham hocks into smaller pieces, ensuring to cut around the bones without removing them entirely.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the prepared ham hocks to the crockpot or pan with the green beans, mixing them well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Add Liquid Ingredients: Pour the beer and chicken broth into the crockpot or pan, ensuring that all the ingredients are thoroughly coated and mixed.
- Cooking Methods:
- Crockpot Method: Cook the green beans and ham hocks on high heat for approximately 5-6 hours. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a rich and satisfying dish.
- Stovetop Method: Alternatively, if using a stovetop, bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer gently for 5-6 hours. The longer the dish simmers, the more intense the flavors become, creating a truly delightful culinary experience.
- Serve: Once fully cooked, serve the green beans and ham hocks in deep bowls, allowing diners to savor every comforting spoonful of this hearty dish.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 97.2
- Fat: 1.1g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 464mg
- Carbohydrates: 11.6g
- Fiber: 3.1g
- Sugar: 4.1g
- Protein: 5.5g
Indulge in the heartwarming flavors of this classic dish, perfect for bringing comfort and joy to your table on cold winter days. Whether enjoyed as a satisfying meal on its own or as a delightful accompaniment to your favorite meats, these green beans and ham hocks are sure to warm both body and soul with their rich, savory goodness. So gather your ingredients, fire up the crockpot or stovetop, and prepare to savor the delicious taste of home-cooked comfort food at its finest! 🍲
