Welcome to the heartwarming world of slow cooker cuisine, where simple ingredients transform into comforting masterpieces that fill your home with tantalizing aromas and bring loved ones together around the dinner table. In this recipe, we pay homage to a beloved classic that hails from Pennsylvania Dutch country – the humble yet immensely satisfying slow cooker ham, green beans, and potatoes.
With just a handful of ingredients and a touch of patience, you can recreate the magic of this timeless dish that has the power to evoke nostalgia and create lasting memories. So, gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker aglow, and prepare to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates tradition, simplicity, and the joy of home-cooked meals.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs fresh green beans, rinsed and trimmed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 ham hocks
- 1 1⁄2 lbs new potatoes, quartered
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp seasoning salt
- 1 tbsp chicken bouillon granules
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs (such as thyme or rosemary), for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- If the green beans are large, halve them lengthwise. Rinse and trim them.
- Chop the onion into small pieces.
- Rinse the ham hocks under cold water to remove any excess salt.
- Layer in the Slow Cooker:
- Place the prepared green beans and chopped onion into the slow cooker.
- Nestle the ham hocks among the green beans and onions. Add enough water to barely cover the ingredients.
- Slow Cook:
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on High until it starts simmering.
- Once it begins simmering, reduce the heat to Low and continue cooking for 2 to 3 hours. The beans should be crisp but not fully cooked at this stage.
- Add Potatoes:
- After the initial cooking time, add the quartered new potatoes to the slow cooker.
- Continue cooking for an additional 45 minutes to allow the potatoes to cook through.
- Prepare the Ham:
- While the potatoes are cooking, remove the ham hocks from the slow cooker.
- Carefully remove the meat from the bones and chop or shred it into bite-sized pieces.
- Season and Finish Cooking:
- Return the chopped or shredded ham to the slow cooker.
- Season the mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, seasoning salt, chicken bouillon granules, and ground black pepper.
- Stir well to combine and ensure the flavors are distributed evenly.
- Continue cooking until the potatoes are tender and all the flavors have melded together.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve:
- Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- If desired, garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra burst of flavor and freshness.
- To serve, use a slotted spoon to transfer the ham, green beans, and potatoes to a serving dish, allowing some of the flavorful broth to accompany them.
Flavor Variations:
- For added richness, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream just before serving.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile to your liking. Smoked paprika, dried oregano, or a dash of hot sauce can add interesting layers of flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker broth, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the sauce.
CONCLUSION :
As the savory scent of simmering ham, tender green beans, and hearty potatoes fills your kitchen, you can’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction knowing that a delicious meal is on the horizon. With every spoonful of this slow cooker creation, you’ll be transported back to cherished moments of family gatherings and comforting home-cooked meals. Whether enjoyed on a crisp autumn evening or during the hustle and bustle of a busy weeknight, this dish is a testament to the beauty of simplicity and the power of good food to nourish both body and soul. So, savor each bite, share the warmth with loved ones, and let the memories made around the dinner table linger long after the last morsel has been enjoyed. Here’s to the timeless appeal of slow-cooked comfort and the joy it brings to every home it graces.
Enjoy this comforting and satisfying meal that’s sure to fill your home with delicious aromas!
