Green beans and potatoes, a comforting and classic side dish, gets a delicious upgrade inspired by the hearty, home-style cooking of the Pioneer Woman. This recipe, rooted in Southern tradition, transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful and satisfying accompaniment to any meal. Imagine tender green beans and creamy new potatoes, slow-cooked to perfection and infused with smoky ham hock flavor – it’s a taste of down-home goodness that’s sure to become a family favorite.
This dish is more than just vegetables; it’s a taste of nostalgia. Growing up, my family often enjoyed green beans and potatoes straight from the garden, seasoned simply and cooked until meltingly tender. This recipe captures that same essence, using readily available ingredients to recreate that comforting, home-cooked flavor. Whether you’re using fresh, frozen, or even canned green beans, this method ensures a deeply flavorful and satisfying result, perfect for weeknight dinners or Sunday suppers.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Green Beans and New Potatoes
To create this flavorful side, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients:
- 2 lbs fresh, frozen, or canned green beans: Fresh green beans are fantastic when in season, but frozen or canned work just as well. If using fresh, be sure to snap off the ends and break them into bite-sized pieces, washing them thoroughly.
- 2 lbs new potatoes (or red potatoes), cut into pieces: New potatoes, with their thin skins and creamy texture, are ideal for this dish. Red potatoes are a readily available and excellent substitute. Feel free to use other types of potatoes you have on hand as well.
- 4 cups chicken broth (or 2 14.5 ounce cans): Chicken broth adds depth of flavor to the cooking liquid. You can also use water, but broth enhances the overall taste.
- 1 ham hock: This is the key to that smoky, savory Southern flavor. If you don’t have a ham hock, you can substitute with about ½ cup of cooked ham, bacon, pork jowl, or salt pork, chopped.
- 2-3 cups water: Adjust the amount of water depending on your desired level of “pot likker” – the flavorful cooking liquid.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a touch of spice.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Season to taste, keeping in mind the saltiness of your chosen seasoning meat.
- ½ cup finely diced onion (Optional): Onion adds another layer of flavor to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (Optional): Garlic lovers can add a touch of minced garlic for extra aroma and flavor.
- 2 teaspoons bacon drippings (Optional, if using ham): If you’re using cooked ham instead of a ham hock, a couple of teaspoons of bacon drippings can help replicate some of that smoky, rendered fat flavor.
The Secret is in the Slow Cooking: Achieving Pioneer Woman Flavor
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the slow cooking process. Unlike quick-steamed green beans, these are cooked low and slow, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen. This method results in incredibly tender green beans and perfectly cooked potatoes that are creamy and flavorful throughout.
Some might question cooking green beans for so long, especially if they’re used to a crisper texture. However, this slow cooking method is a hallmark of Southern cuisine and what makes this dish so special. The green beans become incredibly tender, almost melting in your mouth, but not mushy. They retain their shape while developing a rich, savory flavor that perfectly complements the creamy potatoes and smoky meat. And don’t forget the “pot likker” – the flavorful broth left behind after cooking – it’s liquid gold! Perfect for dipping cornbread or simply spooning over your vegetables.
Tips for Perfect Green Beans and New Potatoes:
- Canned Green Beans Tip: If using canned green beans, be sure to drain them thoroughly before adding them to the pot. You want the chicken broth and fresh water to be the primary cooking liquids, controlling the final flavor.
- Stovetop Simmering: For stovetop cooking, bring all ingredients to a boil in a large pot. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer or low setting, cover the pot, and let it cook gently. Covering the pot helps to prevent the liquid from evaporating too quickly, ensuring your beans and potatoes cook in a flavorful broth. Just be sure to monitor the liquid level and add more water or broth if needed to prevent sticking.
- Embrace the Slow Cook: Resist the urge to rush the cooking process! Slow cooking is key to developing the best flavor and texture. In fact, these green beans and potatoes are often even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld and deepen overnight. This makes it an ideal dish for make-ahead meals or leftovers.
This Pioneer Woman-inspired green beans and new potatoes recipe is a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses. For a classic Southern meal, try serving it alongside Brown Sugar Meatloaf. It’s also fantastic with grilled chicken, pork chops, or simply as a hearty vegetarian option when you omit the ham hock and use vegetable broth.
Green Beans and Potatoes Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs fresh, frozen or canned green beans (If fresh, remove ends and break into pieces and wash the beans)
- 6 or 7 red potatoes cut in pieces (or new potatoes)
- 1 to 2 cups chicken broth or 1 14.5 ounce can
- 1 ham hock (or ½ cup cooked ham, bacon, pork jowl, or salt pork, chopped)
- 2 to 3 cups water
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup finely diced onion (Optional)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (Optional)
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a large pot.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low.
- Simmer, covered, for about 1 ½ hours, or until potatoes are tender and the water has reduced to your desired level of “pot likker”. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Alternatively, you can cook this dish in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 4 hours, or until potatoes are tender.
Recipe Notes:
- For added richness, especially if using ham instead of ham hock, stir in a couple of teaspoons of bacon drippings.
Enjoy this taste of Southern comfort! Let us know how you like this Pioneer Woman inspired green beans and new potatoes recipe in the comments below!
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