Smoky Green Beans with Ham Hocks
Warm up your winter evenings with this hearty Smoky Green Beans with Ham Hocks dish. The combination of tender green beans and rich, savory ham hocks creates a comforting meal that's perfect for cold, snowy days. This recipe highlights the natural flavors of the ingredients without needing additional spices or salt, thanks to the salty ham hocks. Ideal as both a standalone meal paired with cornbread or as a delightful side dish for your favorite meat, this comforting dish can even be turned into a soup by adding extra vegetables of your choice. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. The cook time may vary depending on your crockpot or stovetop, but rest assured, the long simmering results in an unforgettable dish!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Green Beans
1 lb (Snap or cut into one-inch pieces)
Smoked Ham Hocks or Smoked Pork Shanks
2-3 (Trim excess fat and cut into smaller pieces; do not remove the bones)
Beer
1 (12 ounce) can (Use any type of beer for added flavor)
Chicken Broth
1 can (Use low-sodium if preferred)
Instructions
1
Begin by snapping or cutting the green beans into one-inch pieces. Rinse them under cold water and place them in your crockpot or a large, heavy pan.
2
Next, trim away the outer skin and excess fat from the ham hocks or pork shanks. Cut the meat into smaller pieces, carefully cutting around the bones without removing them.
3
Add the trimmed ham hocks or pork shanks to the green beans in the crockpot or pan and mix thoroughly.
4
Pour the beer and chicken broth over the mixture, ensuring everything is well combined.
5
For the crockpot method, cover and cook on high for 5-6 hours, allowing the flavors to develop.
6
For the stovetop method, bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low and let it simmer for 5-6 hours. The longer it cooks, the richer the flavors will become.
7
Once cooked, ladle the Smoky Green Beans with Ham Hocks into bowls and serve hot, perhaps with a side of cornbread for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smoky Green Beans with Ham Hocks?
It is a hearty, comforting winter dish featuring tender green beans and savory smoked ham hocks or pork shanks.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include green beans, smoked ham hocks or pork shanks, beer, and chicken broth.
How many green beans are required?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of green beans.
How should I prepare the green beans?
Snap or cut the green beans into one-inch pieces and rinse them under cold water.
What kind of meat is used in this recipe?
You can use 2-3 smoked ham hocks or smoked pork shanks.
How do I prepare the ham hocks?
Trim away the outer skin and excess fat, then cut the meat into smaller pieces around the bones.
Should I remove the bones from the meat?
No, you should keep the bones in during cooking to enhance the flavor.
What kind of beer should I use?
You can use any type of beer to add flavor to the dish.
How much beer is needed?
The recipe requires one 12-ounce can of beer.
What kind of chicken broth is recommended?
One can of chicken broth is needed; you can use low-sodium broth if you prefer.
Do I need to add salt to this dish?
No additional salt is needed because the smoked ham hocks are naturally salty.
Are there any specific spices required?
No, the dish highlights the natural flavors of the ingredients without needing extra spices.
How long does it cook in a crockpot?
In a crockpot, it should cook on high for 5-6 hours.
What is the stovetop cooking method?
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low and simmer for 5-6 hours.
Can this dish be turned into a soup?
Yes, you can turn it into a soup by adding extra vegetables of your choice.
What is a suggested side dish?
Serving this dish with a side of cornbread is highly recommended.
Is this a standalone meal or a side dish?
It can be served as both a standalone meal or as a side dish for your favorite meat.
Why is slow cooking important for this recipe?
The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully and results in a richer taste.
Do I need to rinse the beans?
Yes, rinse the beans under cold water after cutting them into pieces.
How should the meat and beans be combined?
Add the trimmed meat to the green beans in the pot and mix them thoroughly before adding liquids.
When do I add the beer and broth?
Pour the beer and chicken broth over the bean and meat mixture after they are combined in the pot.
What is the texture of the green beans after cooking?
The green beans become tender after the 5-6 hour simmering process.
Is this recipe suitable for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as a perfect meal for cold, snowy winter days.
What should I do with the ham hock skin?
The recipe instructions suggest trimming away the outer skin before cooking.
Can I use a heavy pan instead of a crockpot?
Yes, a large, heavy pan can be used for the stovetop simmering method.
Does the cooking time vary?
Yes, the cook time may vary slightly depending on your specific crockpot or stovetop.
What does the dish smell like while cooking?
It fills the kitchen with irresistible, savory aromas during the long simmering process.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While the exact serving count isn't specified, it uses 1 lb of beans and 2-3 ham hocks as a base.
How should I serve the final dish?
Ladle the hot beans and meat into bowls and serve immediately.
What provides the smoky flavor?
The smoky flavor is derived from the use of smoked ham hocks or smoked pork shanks.