Savory Ham and Green Bean Medley with Potatoes
This hearty Savory Ham and Green Bean Medley combines smoky flavors with fresh vegetables for a delicious and satisfying one-pot meal. The dish features tender smoked pork hock, savory diced ham, and a vibrant mix of green beans and potatoes, all cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. The hint of sweetness from the pearl onions and the rich, savory broth creates a comforting and flavorful experience. Pair it with cornbread and sliced fresh tomatoes for a wholesome meal that will warm your heart. An optional splash of chicken broth can be added for layering flavors, enhancing each bite with a savory depth. Perfect for family gatherings or busy weeknights!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
smoked pork hock
1 (whole)
whole white pearl onions
1 (15 ounce) jar (with liquid)
cooked diced ham
1 (16 ounce) package (or leftover sliced ham)
frozen French-cut green beans
1 (16 ounce) bag (or regular cut, or canned)
baking potatoes
4 (diced or red potatoes, halved)
chicken broth
1 cup (optional, for enhanced flavor)
Instructions
1
1. Prepare your crock pot by ensuring it's clean and ready for use.
2
2. Begin by placing the smoked pork hock at the bottom of the crock pot for a base of flavor.
3
3. Open the jar of whole white pearl onions and pour them in with their liquid, allowing their sweetness to mingle with the other ingredients.
4
4. Add the diced ham, ensuring even distribution over the onions and pork hock.
5
5. Pour in the frozen green beans (no need to thaw) and top with the diced or halved baking potatoes.
6
6. If desired, add a cup of chicken broth to enhance the flavor profile (this is optional but recommended).
7
7. Season lightly with salt and pepper to taste, if desired.
8
8. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for approximately 6 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors are melded together.
9
9. Once cooked, gently stir the mixture to incorporate all ingredients, and serve hot.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Ham and Green Bean Medley with Potatoes?
It is a hearty one-pot slow cooker meal that combines smoked pork hock, diced ham, green beans, and potatoes in a savory broth.
What kind of pork is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses one whole smoked pork hock and one 16-ounce package of cooked diced ham or leftover sliced ham.
Can I use canned green beans instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use frozen French-cut green beans, regular cut frozen green beans, or canned green beans for this recipe.
How long does it take to cook in a slow cooker?
The dish should be covered and cooked on the low setting for approximately 6 hours.
Do I need to thaw the frozen green beans before cooking?
No, there is no need to thaw the frozen green beans before adding them to the crock pot.
What type of potatoes are best for this dish?
The recipe recommends using four baking potatoes that are diced, or red potatoes that have been halved.
Should I drain the jar of pearl onions?
No, you should pour the 15-ounce jar of whole white pearl onions into the crock pot along with their liquid to add sweetness.
Is chicken broth required for this recipe?
The chicken broth is optional but recommended to enhance the flavor profile and add savory depth.
How should I layer the ingredients in the crock pot?
Layer the smoked pork hock first, followed by the pearl onions with liquid, then the ham, green beans, and finally the potatoes.
Can I use leftover ham?
Yes, leftover sliced ham is a great substitute for the 16-ounce package of diced ham.
How much chicken broth should I add?
If you choose to use it, add 1 cup of chicken broth to the crock pot.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to ensure your crock pot is clean and ready for use, then place the smoked pork hock at the bottom.
Is it necessary to season the medley?
You can season lightly with salt and pepper to taste if desired, though the ham and pork hock provide significant flavor.
What sides pair well with this ham and green bean medley?
This dish pairs perfectly with cornbread and sliced fresh tomatoes for a wholesome meal.
Do I need to stir the ingredients while they cook?
No, let the ingredients cook undisturbed for 6 hours, then gently stir the mixture once it is finished to incorporate everything.
How many potatoes do I need for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 baking potatoes or red potatoes.
What gives the dish its smoky flavor?
The smoky flavor comes from the addition of a whole smoked pork hock at the base of the dish.
Can I use French-cut green beans?
Yes, a 16-ounce bag of frozen French-cut green beans is suggested for this recipe.
Is this a good meal for a busy weeknight?
Yes, because it is an easy one-dish slow cooker meal, it is perfect for family gatherings or busy weeknights.
How much diced ham is required?
The recipe calls for one 16-ounce package of cooked diced ham.
What size jar of pearl onions is used?
A 15-ounce jar of whole white pearl onions is used in this medley.
What is the preparation for red potatoes?
If using red potatoes instead of baking potatoes, they should be halved.
Can I add more liquid if I want more broth?
Yes, adding the optional cup of chicken broth provides more liquid and enhances the overall savory depth.
How do I know when the dish is ready?
The dish is ready when the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together, usually after 6 hours on low.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is designed as a convenient one-dish meal cooked entirely in a crock pot.
Why are pearl onions used?
Pearl onions are used to add a hint of sweetness that mingles with the smoky and savory elements of the dish.
Can I use fresh green beans?
While the recipe specifies frozen or canned, you can use fresh green beans, though cooking times for the beans may vary slightly.
Should the pork hock be diced?
No, the pork hock should be kept whole and placed at the bottom of the pot to provide a flavor base.
How should the diced ham be distributed?
The diced ham should be distributed evenly over the onions and the pork hock.
What is the serving temperature for this dish?
Once the medley is cooked and stirred, it should be served hot.