Holiday Recipes: Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic and Country Ham
A contemporary take on a holiday classic
The first time I made these Green Beans my husband said, “this is a winner!” Ever since that day this dish has graced my Holiday Table.
Check out my video below, then read on for detailed ingredient list and more step-by-step instructions.
You’ll Need
- Serves 10 -
24 medium garlic cloves (buy 2 heads)
2 Tablespoons kosher salt
3 pounds green beans
5 Tablespoons olive oil
1 pound ¼ inch-thick Country Ham slices, cut into strips ¼ x 2 inches long
3 Tablespoons unsalted butter
Here’s How
Ok, let’s get to it. Put a large pot of water on to boil, then start prepping the garlic. Peel each clove then halve lengthwise. Now drop the 24 peeled and sliced heads of garlic into the boiling water until tender. You’re looking at about 8 minutes here.
Get ready for a giggle. I laugh out loud at this next part because trying to scoop out the garlic is like trying to catch goldfish. The garlic dances around the pot so I recommend you use a small sieve to catch them! Place garlic on a plate lined with paper towels. Set aside.
While the garlic is in the pot, it’s a good time to prep your green beans. You want to trim both ends and if some of them are extra long I cut them in half.
To the same pot of boiling water you just took your garlic out of, add 2 Tablespoons kosher salt. Now drop your green beans in for 6 minutes.
Grab your colander and put it in the sink. When the 6 minutes are up drain the green beans into your colander. Run cold water over the green beans. You want to get your hands in there and move the green beans about so the cold water hits them all. When you can feel the green beans have cooled, turn the water off. You are doing this for two reasons: 1) to stop the cooking process, and 2) to set that vibrant holiday green color of these beans. Plus this method saves the whole ice bath ordeal!
Next step is to dry the beans. This is how I do it: grab two clean kitchen towels. Lay one down, dump the green beans on the towel in a single layer. Place second towel on top and gently pat dry. Once the beans are nice and dry, place them in a large bowl.
Now, moving on to the ham. I buy packaged, fully cooked sliced ham steaks. All you have to do is slice them into 2 inch cubes. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ham and sauté until you see the yummiest crisp, about 4 minutes. Transfer ham to bowl with green beans. (Can be prepared one day ahead. Cover garlic and bean mixture separately and refrigerate.)
Melt butter with remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add cooked garlic and mash with the back of a wooden spoon. Add green beans and ham and toss until heated through and coated with garlic. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Mound green bean mixture on a platter and enjoy!
Happy Holidays!
