Are you craving a hearty, delicious meal that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further! This Green Beans, Ham, and Potatoes recipe is a timeless classic, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that showcases the beautiful flavors of fresh green beans, savory ham, and tender potatoes. This recipe is a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest – delicious, healthy, and surprisingly quick to prepare. Get ready to enjoy this quick dinner idea the whole family will love!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound small red potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup diced ham (about 4 ounces) – leftover ham works perfectly!
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
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Prepare the vegetables: Wash and halve or quarter the potatoes, depending on their size. Trim the ends off the green beans.
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Sauté the ham: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced ham and cook for about 3-5 minutes, until lightly browned. This step adds depth of flavor to the entire dish.
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Add potatoes and broth: Add the potatoes to the skillet and stir to coat with the butter and ham. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the potatoes are partially submerged.
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Simmer the potatoes: Bring the broth to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender but not mushy.
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Add green beans and seasonings: Add the green beans, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir gently to combine.
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Cook until tender-crisp: Continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the green beans are tender-crisp. Avoid overcooking the beans to maintain their vibrant green color and slightly firm texture.
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Serve and enjoy: Serve this delicious dish immediately. It's a perfect easy recipe for a satisfying and healthy meal.
Tips for the Best Green Beans, Ham, and Potatoes:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: If you have a large amount of vegetables, consider cooking them in batches to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard to your preference. A pinch of garlic powder can also add a lovely savory note.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots, peas, or onions for a more substantial dish.
- Use different types of ham: While diced ham works best, you can also use leftover sliced ham, simply tearing it into bite-sized pieces before adding to the skillet.
Variations:
- Creamy version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or crème fraîche at the end for a richer, creamier dish.
- Lemon-herb version: Add the zest and juice of half a lemon along with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a brighter, more flavorful dish.
- Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 10-15 grams
- Fat: 15-20 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
This Green Beans, Ham, and Potatoes recipe is a fantastic example of delicious and healthy food recipes that are easy to make. It's a perfect addition to your collection of best recipes and is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!