Imagine a dish that transports you straight to a Southern kitchen, where flavors are bold, comfort is king, and every bite tells a story of tradition. Our Crock Pot Southern Green Beans and Ham Hock is not just a side dish—it's a culinary journey that transforms humble ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 ham hock
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash and trim the fresh green beans, removing any tough ends or blemishes. Pat dry with clean kitchen towel.
- Peel and finely chop the onion, ensuring uniform size for even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Place the ham hock at the bottom of the crock pot, creating a flavorful base for the green beans.
- Layer the trimmed green beans over the ham hock, spreading them evenly across the pot's surface.
- Sprinkle chopped onions over the green beans, distributing them uniformly.
- Season the green beans with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
- Carefully pour the chicken broth over the green beans and ham hock, ensuring all ingredients are mostly submerged.
- Cover the crock pot with its lid and set to low heat setting for slow, tenderizing cooking.
- Allow green beans to cook slowly for 6 hours, periodically checking liquid levels and stirring gently if needed.
- After cooking time completes, remove ham hock and shred or chop meat, returning it to the green beans if desired.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed before serving hot.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select crisp, bright green beans and a meaty ham hock for the most authentic flavor.
- Trim with Care: Remove any stringy ends and blemishes from the green beans to ensure a tender, delightful texture.
- Layer Strategically: Place the ham hock at the bottom of the crock pot to infuse maximum flavor throughout the dish.
- Low and Slow is the Way to Go: Cooking on low heat for 6 hours allows the ham hock to break down and season the green beans perfectly.
- Check Liquid Levels: Occasionally peek and ensure the chicken broth covers most of the ingredients to prevent drying out.
- Bonus Flavor Hack: For an extra Southern touch, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 25mg
