Snap Beans with Mustard and Country 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.

   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.

   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.

   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.

   4. Taste the beans for salt and pepper, adjust as needed, and serve straightaway.

   2 min