Southern Green Beans with Ham and Potatoes

5 from 1 vote

Southern Green Beans with Ham and Potatoes

Southern green beans are a delicious side dish enjoyed all over the South. Fresh green beans are simmered in broth with country ham, potatoes and spices until tender.

Course Side dishes

Cuisine American, Southern

Cook Time 30

Servings people

Calories 254kcal

Author Lisa B.

Ingredients

1 (12-ounce) package Clifty Farm country ham, diced
1 medium onion finely chopped
2 garlic cloves minced
2 pounds fresh green beans washed, ends trimmed and cut into 1 ½ - 2 inch pieces
2 pounds small red or gold potatoes washed, then quartered or cut into eighths
2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and additional black pepper to taste

Instructions

Stovetop Method:

Heat a large stock pot over medium high heat. Dice the country ham into bite-sized pieces. Once the pot is hot, add the country ham and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the ham is light pink and starting to brown on the edges.
Add the onion. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 8-10 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds.
Add the green beans and potatoes to the pot.
Pour the chicken broth over the top of the vegetables.
Add the Cajun seasoning, ground black pepper and red pepper flakes. Add salt to taste.
Bring the pot to a boil, then cover it with a lid, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 30 minutes. The green beans and potatoes should be fork tender when they’re done.
Remove the pot from the heat and allow the beans and potatoes to sit for at least 15 minutes. The vegetables will continue to absorb the flavors of the ham and the broth as they sit.
Season with additional salt and pepper if necessary.

Slow Cooker Method:

Combine all the ingredients in the crock of a 6-quart slow cooker.
Stir everything to combine.
Cook on high for 3 hours or on low for 6 hours.

Instant Pot Method:

Turn on the SAUTE function the Instant pot. Once the pot is hot, add the diced country ham and cook until the ham turns light pink and starts to brown around the edges, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the onion and sauté for about 8-10 minutes until it is translucent. Add the garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds.
Turn off the SAUTE function. Add the green beans and potatoes to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, ground black pepper and red pepper flakes. Stir everything to combine.
Seal the lid on the Instant Pot. Set the function to MANUAL and the time for six minutes. Once the time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally or do a quick release.
Allow the green beans to sit for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

This dish can be made ahead of time. Store the cooked green beans with their broth in a covered container in the refrigerator. They can be reheated over medium heat in a saucepan on the stove or in the microwave.

Leftover green beans need to be eaten within four days. This recipe does not freeze well. Freezing and thawing will change the texture of the vegetables, causing them to become mushy.

Nutrition