Snap Beans With Mustard And Country Ham Food

GREEN BEANS AND COUNTRY HAM, SOUTHERN-STYLE RECIPE - (4/5)

Steps:

• Place the ham slices in a large sauté pan. Add about 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover and simmer until ham is tender. Remove ham from pot and cut into small pieces. Return to the pot and add the beans, potatoes and onions. Season with pepper. Add a bit more water if needed, but not too much. Bring back to a boil, then reduce heat, cover and simmer until beans are very tender, about 1 hour. (Cooking time will depend on the age of the beans.) Taste the beans and add salt if needed but, since country ham is very salty, additional salt will probably not be necessary. If there appears to be too much broth, cook on high without the cover until some of the moisture evaporates. Add butter to beans and stir until melted; replace lid and cook an additional 10 minutes. This will keep, covered, over low heat until serving. Notes: If you want a meatier main dish, add some smoked ham pieces when you add the beans. For most people, more country ham would make it too salty. Instead of large potatoes, you can use about one pound baby or creamer potatoes, halved if large. I like yukon gold, but any boiling potato is fine.

SNAP BEANS WITH MUSTARD AND COUNTRY HAM

Steps:

• 1. Melt the butter in a large, heavy saucepan over moderate heat, add the ham and scallions, and cook, stirring now and then, for 5 to 8 minutes or until lightly browned.
• 2. Add the beans and broth and bring to a boil. Adjust the heat so the broth bubbles gently, cover, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes or until the beans are crisp-tender.
• 3. Meanwhile, combine the thickener and the mustard and set aside. As soon as the beans are done, whisk a little of the hot broth into the mustard mixture, stir back into the pan, add the pepper, and cook, stirring constantly, for 3 minutes or until the broth thickens. Continue cooking uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 5 minutes or until the sauce has the consistency of a glaze.
• 4. Taste the beans for salt and pepper, adjust as needed, and serve straightaway.