Southern Green Beans Recipe
User Reviews
4.6
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
6 hrs
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Total Time
6 hrs 5 mins
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Servings
12 servings
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Calories
41 kcal
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Course
Side Dish
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Cuisine
African-American Fusion
Southern Green Beans Recipe
Description
The Southern Green Beans Recipe combines fresh green beans with smoked ham hocks, chicken stock, and seasonings including granulated garlic, onion, kosher salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and red wine vinegar. The beans are snapped to ensure freshness and tossed together in a slow cooker with the ham hocks and stock to cook low and slow until the meat is tender and flavors meld. This method yields tender green beans imbued with smoky, savory flavors and a mild spiciness from the red pepper flakes.
The slow cooking process breaks down the ham hocks, enriching the broth and beans with meaty depth, while the vinegar brightens the dish slightly. This side pairs well with hearty southern proteins and staples such as cornbread or mashed potatoes. It is a practical recipe for meal prepping as it stores well for up to a week in the refrigerator when kept in its cooking liquid.
When preparing, use fresh green beans rather than canned or frozen to maintain optimal texture. Alternatives to ham hocks can be smoked turkey wings or salt pork to accommodate different dietary preferences while preserving the smoky essence. Snapping the beans by hand helps assess their freshness by feel rather than just looking at them, ensuring the best texture in the finished dish. To reheat, gently warm in a pot or microwave, preserving the moisture in the cooking liquid.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Green bean fresh
- 1 smoked ham hocks or 2
- 6 cups chicken stock low-sodium
- 2 tsp granulated garlic
- 1/4 yellow onion small dice
- 1/2 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp red wine vinegar
Instructions
- Rinse, dry, and snap the ends off your fresh green beans, discarding any green beans that are limp, brown, or otherwise not fresh.
- Set your slow cooker to low (8+ hours) or high (6-8 hours) and toss in the ham hocks, chicken stock, snapped green beans, garlic powder, onion, kosher salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and red vinegar. Stir well.
- Secure the top of the slow cooker and let the green beans cook until the ham hocks are fork tender and can fall apart.
- After the time is done, serve hot. Keep in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
Notes
- Store cooked green beans in an airtight container with the cooking liquid for up to 7 days in the refrigerator; this helps prevent drying out.
- Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop over medium-low heat until thoroughly warmed.
- Always use fresh green beans; avoid frozen or canned as they affect the dish's texture.
- Substitute ham hocks with salt pork or smoked turkey wings if needed, and replace pork entirely with smoked turkey necks or turkey bacon for a non-pork version.
- Snap green beans by hand to check freshness and ensure tender texture rather than cutting with a knife.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 41 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1g | |
| Calories | 41kcal | 2% |
| Carbohydrates | 7g | 2% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Cholesterol | 1mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 482mg | 20% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
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