Green beans with ham recipes: ingredients and steps

Green beans with Iberian or Serrano ham is a delicious combination that has been enjoyed in Spain for generations.

In this article, we will explore several recipes for preparing green beans with ham, including some variations with additional ingredients such as tomato, egg and potatoes. Whether you’re an experienced chef or want to try something new in the kitchen, these recipes will guide you step-by-step to prepare this classic dish in an easy and delicious way.

Let’s get started!

How to make green beans with ham: the classic recipe

Green beans with ham is a classic, healthy and flavourful dish that can be enjoyed at any time of the year.

Below, I’ll walk you through the process of how to make green beans with ham, in a classic version that you’re sure to love.

Ingredients for green beans and ham

Preparing green beans and ham is a relatively simple process, but as with any recipe, the ingredients are the key to a delicious dish.

Here are the ingredients needed to prepare this traditional Spanish dish:

• 400 grams of green beans: You can use fresh or frozen beans. If you use fresh beans, make sure you wash them well and remove the ends.
• 200 grams of serrano ham strips: The serrano ham gives the dish a distinctive flavour. You can adjust the quantity according to your preferences.
• 2 cloves of garlic: Garlic adds an aromatic and flavourful touch, indispensable in Spanish cuisine.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Used to fry the ham and garlic, olive oil will give a mild and authentic flavour to the dish.
• Salt and pepper to taste: These two basic seasonings will help you adjust the flavour to your preference.

Choosing good quality ingredients is essential for a successful dish.

The green beans should be tender but firm, and the ham should be of good quality, preferably Serrano ham or Teruel ham for the traditional flavour.

These ingredients are easy to find in any supermarket and require no special skills to prepare.

The combination of flavours and textures will make this dish of green beans with ham a success on your table.

Now that you know the ingredients, you can follow the detailed steps to prepare this delicious dish.

Steps for making green beans with ham

Green beans and ham is an easy recipe to prepare, but as with any dish, following the steps properly is crucial to achieve the desired flavour and texture.

Here I explain each step in detail:

1. Clean the green beans: Start by thoroughly washing the green beans under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, use a sharp knife to remove the stringy ends. If the beans are very long, you can cut them in half.
2. Cooking the green beans: Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to the boil and then add the green beans. Cook for 10-12 minutes, keeping an eye on the texture. They should be tender but still firm. Then drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the ham and garlic: While the beans are cooking, you can start preparing the ham and garlic. Peel and finely chop the garlic cloves. Cut the ham into strips. In a large frying pan, heat a little extra virgin olive oil over medium heat and add the ham and garlic. Fry until the ham is slightly crispy and the garlic is golden brown.
4. Mix the beans with the ham and garlic: Once the ham and garlic are ready, add the cooked green beans to the pan. Cook together for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, so that the flavours blend and the beans take on the flavour of the ham and garlic.
5. Season to taste: This is the time to adjust the flavours to your preference. Taste the mixture and add salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the ham is already salty, so be careful how much salt you add.
6. Serve hot: Serve the green beans with ham hot, straight from the pan. You can serve them with a slice of fresh bread or as a side dish to a main course.

By following these steps in detail, you will be sure to prepare a tasty and appetising green beans and ham dish.

The combination of textures and flavours, with the crunchiness of the ham and the softness of the beans, will make this dish a favourite at your table.

Variations on green beans with ham

Green beans and ham is a versatile dish that offers many possibilities for variation.

From the basic recipe, you can experiment with different ingredients and techniques to create unique and delicious versions of this Spanish classic.

Here are some popular variations and how to make each of them.

Green beans with ham and tomato recipe

This variation adds fresh tomato, providing a juicy texture and a slightly acidic flavour that perfectly complements the salty ham.

Additional ingredients for green beans with ham and tomato:

• 2 chopped ripe tomatoes
• Fresh basil (optional)

Steps:

1. Follow the basic steps to prepare the green beans with ham.
2. Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan along with the ham and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until the tomatoes are tender.
3. If desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh basil before serving.

Green beans with ham and egg recipe

Adding egg to ham and green beans introduces a rich, creamy texture. This version is perfect for a hearty lunch or light dinner.

Additional ingredients for green beans with ham and egg:

• 2 eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Follow the basic steps to prepare green beans with ham.
2. Make space in the pan and crack the eggs into the pan.
3. Cook the eggs to taste (scrambled or fried) and mix with the beans and ham.
4. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Green beans with ham and potatoes recipe

The addition of potatoes makes green beans and ham a more substantial and satisfying dish.

Additional ingredients for green beans with ham and potatoes:

• 2 medium potatoes, cooked and sliced.
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional).

Steps:

1. Follow the basic steps to prepare the green beans with ham.
2. Add the cooked, sliced potatoes to the pan.
3. Cook together for 5-7 minutes, until the potatoes are golden brown and mixed with the beans and ham.
4. If desired, add a dash of paprika before serving.

These variations of green beans and ham offer an exciting diversity of flavours and textures.

Experiment with them and see which one becomes your new favourite recipe. The possibilities are almost endless, and these ideas are just the starting point for your culinary creativity.

Enjoy your meal!