Country Potatoes, Green Beans and Ham

A simple, yet filling dish made with green beans, potatoes, and ham.  Try to get the smoked ham hocks, or any smoked meat, as that is what gives this dish the flavor and aroma of something delicious cooking on the stove.

Ingredients

2 smoked ham hocks
1 onion, chopped
3 chicken bouillon cubes
2 1/2 c. hot water
3 lbs fresh, with ends removed **
10 small potatoes, cubed
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 Tbs. garlic powder
salt and pepper

Directions

Place the ham hocks, onion, and garlic in a 4-quart Dutch oven.  

Dissolve chicken bouillon cubes in the hot water. Pour the chicken broth into the Dutch oven. The liquid should fill the pot at least half way.  If it is not, add more water.   

Stir in the garlic powder. Bring mixture to a boil, then cover.  Lower heat and simmer for about 2 hours, or until the meat falls off the bone. Carefully remove the meat from the hot liquid in the Dutch oven. Separate the meat from the bones and skin.  Discard the bones and skin. Return the ham hock meat to the pot.   

Add the green beans.  Season with salt and pepper.  Cover the pot and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove the lid.   

Add potatoes over the top of the green beans.  Season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook until the potatoes and green beans are tender. Pierce them with a fork and if the fork goes through the potato easily, then they are done.  

Serve and enjoy!

Notes:

If you don't have fresh or frozen green beans, you can use 2 (14.5 oz) cans green beans instead.  Drain the liquid off the green beans and add toward the end of cooking.  They are already cooked and only need to be warmed up.

You can use cut up ham, or cook up some bacon to use in place of the ham hocks.  Even smoked turkey meat will work and give this dish a great flavor. Just cook the bacon until crisp.  If using smoked turkey meat, cook as directed above.