Ham And String Beans
A hearty ham and string beans dish featuring tender roasted ham, fresh vegetables, and flavorful herbs, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Roast the ham until tender.
- Remove the meat from the broth; add the chopped onion and parsley.
- Boil for about 5 minutes.
- Add the fresh or frozen string beans.
- Boil for about 20 minutes.
- Add the diced potatoes and the canned kidney beans.
- Boil all until tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For maximum flavor, consider using a smoked ham hock instead of a regular ham for a more robust taste. If fresh string beans are unavailable, frozen beans work well too. You can substitute the kidney beans with black beans for a different texture and flavor. Adjust the cooking time for vegetables based on their size to ensure everything is perfectly tender.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple side salad, such as a Three Bean Balsamic Salad, to balance the richness of the ham. For a complete meal, serve with a light dessert like Microwave Sugarless Apple Pie to finish on a sweet note. This dish is also great for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, to ensure even heating without drying out the dish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham And String Beans contains roughly 668 calories, with 24g protein, 100g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (78% of the Daily Value), protein (49% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 22g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 canned string beans instead of fresh or frozen?
Yes, you can use canned string beans, but be sure to add them later in the cooking process to avoid overcooking. Drain and rinse them before adding to the pot, and only heat them through for about 5 minutes.
What can I use instead of parsley?
If you don't have parsley, fresh thyme or dill can be excellent substitutes, adding a different but delightful flavor profile to the dish. You can also use dried herbs, but reduce the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish stores well and can be made ahead of time. Just prepare it as directed, let it cool completely, then portion it into containers for easy reheating throughout the week. Perfect for busy nights!
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).