Green Beans and Ham Hocks
Savor the timeless charm of Southern cooking with this Green Beans and Ham Hocks recipe, a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for cozy gatherings or weeknight dinners. Tender, slow-simmered green beans soak up the rich, smoky essence of ham hocks, while a blend of chicken broth, garlic, and onions creates a savory base enhanced with a touch of apple cider vinegar for brightness. Seasoned with just the right amount of red pepper flakes and black pepper, this dish strikes the perfect balance of comforting and bold flavors. Whether served as a side dish or a satisfying main course, this recipe is a true standout, showcasing the beauty of slow-cooked, one-pot meals. With simple ingredients and a hands-off cooking technique, Green Beans and Ham Hocks delivers classic Southern goodness with ease.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh green beans
- 2 pieces ham hocks
- 1 medium-sized yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 cups water
Instructions
Rinse the green beans under cold water and trim the ends by snapping or cutting them off. Set aside.
Peel and finely chop the yellow onion. Mince the garlic cloves and set both aside.
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic, and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
Add the ham hocks to the pot, followed by the chicken broth and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 1 hour. This will infuse the broth with the smoky flavor of the ham hocks.
After 1 hour, add the green beans to the pot, along with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir gently to combine.
Cover the pot again and simmer for another 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the green beans are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Once the green beans are tender, use tongs to carefully remove the ham hocks from the pot. Let them cool slightly, then shred the meat off the bones and discard the bones and any tough skin.
Return the shredded ham to the pot and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired.
Stir in the apple cider vinegar for a bright finishing touch. Serve warm as a side dish or a comforting main meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1373 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 90.1 g | 116% | |
| Saturated Fat | 37.7 g | 189% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 10.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 230 mg | 77% | |
| Sodium | 7570 mg | 329% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 86.3 g | 31% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 33.9 g | 121% | |
| Total Sugars | 40.1 g | ||
| Protein | 72.7 g | 145% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.8 mcg | 14% | |
| Calcium | 536 mg | 41% | |
| Iron | 14.7 mg | 82% | |
| Potassium | 3716 mg | 79% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
