Country Style Green Beans With Red Potatoes

The smell of simmering green beans always takes me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. She wasn’t a fancy chef, but she knew how to coax the best flavors out of simple ingredients. I can still picture her, standing over the stove, stirring a pot of green beans, the savory aroma mingling with the scent of baking bread. It was a dish born of necessity, a way to feed a large family with humble ingredients, but it was always made with love and care, and tasted like home. Every time I make this dish, it’s a little piece of her I get to share.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
• Servings: 6-8
• Dietary Type: Can be Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free

Ingredients

• 1 ham hock (use 2 if they are small)
• 2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans green beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 10 small red potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 tablespoon seasoning salt (adjust to taste; ham can be salty)
• 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder

Equipment Needed

• 4 quart Dutch oven

Instructions

1. Place the ham hock(s) and chopped onion into a 4-quart Dutch oven.
2. Fill the Dutch oven halfway with water.
3. Season the water with 1 tablespoon of seasoning salt (remember to taste later and adjust if needed, as ham can be quite salty), 2 teaspoons of ground black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of garlic powder.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
5. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the Dutch oven, and simmer for approximately 2 hours, or until the meat is very tender and easily falls off the bones. This slow simmering process is crucial for developing the rich, savory flavor that defines this dish.
6. Carefully remove the ham hock(s) from the Dutch oven.
7. Allow the ham hock(s) to cool slightly, enough to handle them without burning yourself.
8. Separate the meat from the bones and skin. Discard the bones and skin.
9. Return the shredded ham meat to the Dutch oven.
10. Add the 2 cans of drained and rinsed green beans to the Dutch oven.
11. Simmer the green beans and ham for 20 minutes. This allows the green beans to absorb the flavorful broth.
12. Add the 10 peeled and cubed small red potatoes to the Dutch oven.
13. Continue to simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. Check for doneness by gently inserting a fork into a potato cube; it should slide in with minimal resistance. Be careful not to overcook the potatoes, as they can become mushy.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Don’t skip the simmering time for the ham hock. This is crucial for developing the deep, smoky flavor that infuses the entire dish. If you’re short on time, you could use pre-cooked ham, but you’ll miss out on the depth of flavor that comes from slow simmering.
• Salt with caution. Ham hocks can be quite salty, so taste the broth after the ham has simmered and adjust the seasoning accordingly. You can always add more salt, but you can’t take it away.
• For a richer flavor, consider adding a smoked turkey leg to the pot along with the ham hock. The combination of smoked meats adds a complex layer of flavor.
• If you prefer a thicker broth, you can mash a few of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot. This will release starch and thicken the liquid.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this dish hot, straight from the Dutch oven, for a comforting and rustic presentation. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley can add a touch of freshness.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. You may need to add a little water or broth if the dish has thickened too much during storage.

This dish also freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	258.1 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	6 g	3%
Total Fat	0.8 g	1%
Saturated Fat	0.2 g	0%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	61.4 mg	2%
Total Carbohydrate	58.6 g	19%
Dietary Fiber	9.3 g	37%
Sugars	9.2 g	N/A
Protein	8.5 g	16%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the ham hock and use vegetable broth instead of water. Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the pot for a little heat.
• Different Beans: Substitute canned lima beans or great northern beans for the green beans.
• Add Vegetables: Throw in some chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers for extra nutrients and flavor. Add them with the onion.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
A: Absolutely! You’ll need about a pound of fresh green beans, trimmed and snapped. Add them to the pot about 30 minutes before the end of cooking time.

Q: How do I know when the ham hock is cooked enough?
A: The ham hock is done when the meat is very tender and easily pulls away from the bone. It should take about 2 hours of simmering.

Q: Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can. Combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Q: What if my green beans are too salty?
A: If the dish is too salty, you can add a peeled and quartered potato to the pot while it simmers. The potato will absorb some of the excess salt. Remove the potato before serving.

Q: Can I use dried beans?
A: You can, but you’ll need to soak them overnight and adjust the cooking time accordingly. Add the soaked beans to the pot with the ham hock and simmer until they are tender before adding the potatoes.

Final Thoughts

This Country Style Green Beans with Red Potatoes is more than just a recipe; it’s a taste of home, a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the recipe and make it your own. Add your favorite vegetables, adjust the seasoning to your liking, and share it with the people you love. This is a dish that’s meant to be shared and enjoyed! And if you make this recipe, please share your feedback – I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Perhaps serve it alongside some cornbread for a truly comforting and classic Southern meal.