Snap Beans with Mustard and Country Ham
Tender green beans cooked with country ham in a savory mustard sauce, featuring scallions and a rich chicken broth base. This Southern-inspired dish combines the earthiness of fresh beans with the salty punch of ham.
Ingredients
- •1 tablespoon butter, bacon drippings, or vegetable oil
- •3 ounces uncooked country ham, finely diced
- •6 medium scallions
- •1 pound tender young green beans
- •1½ cups chicken broth
- •2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- •2 teaspoons prepared yellow mustard
- •¼ teaspoon black pepper
- •to taste
Cooking Instructions
- 1.
1. Melt the butter in a large, heavy saucepan over moderate heat, add the ham and scallions, and cook, stirring now and then, for 5 to 8 minutes or until lightly browned.
8 min
- 2.
2. Add the beans and broth and bring to a boil. Adjust the heat so the broth bubbles gently, cover, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes or until the beans are crisp-tender.
15 min
- 3.
3. Meanwhile, combine the thickener and the mustard and set aside. As soon as the beans are done, whisk a little of the hot broth into the mustard mixture, stir back into the pan, add the pepper, and cook, stirring constantly, for 3 minutes or until the broth thickens. Continue cooking uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 5 minutes or until the sauce has the consistency of a glaze.
8 min
- 4.
4. Taste the beans for salt and pepper, adjust as needed, and serve straightaway.
2 min