Green Beans With Ham Hocks
A hearty Southern classic featuring tender ham hocks and green beans, seasoned with onion, sugar, and spices—perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a covered saucepan, cook the ham hocks until the meat is almost off the bone.
- Add the canned string beans to the saucepan with the ham hocks and cook in a small amount of water.
- Pour off the water from the can of beans, rinse the beans, and add them to the saucepan with the meat.
- Cook until the beans are tender, about 25 minutes.
- Ten minutes before finishing, add the chopped onion, seasoned with pepper and seasoned salt, and the sugar.
- Continue cooking until the onions are tender and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider using smoked paprika or adding a splash of vinegar to brighten the flavors. If you don’t have ham hocks, you can substitute with diced bacon or smoked sausage for a similar taste. Make sure to rinse the canned beans well to reduce sodium content. Adjust the sugar to balance the saltiness of the ham.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the green beans with ham hocks alongside cornbread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. This dish pairs beautifully with Hoppin' John for a comforting Southern-inspired dinner. For a complete meal, consider adding a simple salad or roasted vegetables on the side to balance the richness.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover green beans with ham hocks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to prevent drying out and warm them on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. They can also be microwaved in a covered dish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Beans With Ham Hocks contains roughly 45 calories, with 1g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (14% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
Yes, fresh green beans can be used in place of canned ones. Trim and cut them into bite-sized pieces, and add them to the pot earlier in the cooking process, letting them simmer until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
What can I use if I don't have ham hocks?
If ham hocks are unavailable, you can use diced country ham, bacon, or smoked sausage for a similar smoky flavor. Adjust the seasoning accordingly, as some substitutes may be saltier than ham hocks.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version, omit the ham hocks and use vegetable broth for cooking. Enhance the flavor with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that smoky taste, and add sautéed mushrooms for a hearty texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).