Green beans with garlic and smoked ham

Green beans with garlic and smoked ham – a simple, quick, and delicious recipe, perfect as a side dish or a main course. In this recipe, the green beans are combined with the intense flavors of garlic and smoked ham, creating an explosion of tastes that will delight any food lover.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 500 g fresh green beans
- 150 g smoked ham (preferably pork)
- 1 medium onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 bell pepper (red or green, according to preference)
- Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Preparing the beans
Start by washing the green beans well under cold running water. Trim the ends, and if desired, you can cut them in half or thirds, depending on your preferences. Place the beans in a pot of water with a teaspoon of salt. Boil for 5-7 minutes until they become slightly crunchy, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This step helps to preserve the vibrant color and texture.

2. Preparing the aromatic ingredients
Meanwhile, finely chop the onion and prepare the garlic, which you can slice thinly or crush, depending on the desired intensity of the flavor. Cut the smoked ham into small cubes and the bell pepper into strips.

3. Sautéing the ingredients
In a large skillet, add the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the smoked ham and fry for 3-4 minutes until it is slightly browned and releases its aroma. Then, add the bell pepper and garlic, continuing to sauté for another 2 minutes until the garlic turns golden and fragrant.

4. Combining the ingredients
Add the green beans to the skillet, mixing well to combine all the flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook everything together for another 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the beans are still crunchy but well coated with the flavors from the skillet.

5. Serving
Serve the green beans with garlic and smoked ham warm, as a side dish alongside meat dishes, or as a vegetarian main course, alongside mashed potatoes or a fresh salad. A unique idea would be to sprinkle some roasted nuts on top for added texture and a slightly crunchy taste.

Practical tips:
- You can replace the smoked ham with bacon or a vegetarian option, such as smoked tofu.
- Add some chili flakes for a spicier taste.
- If you want a touch of freshness, you can squeeze some lemon juice over the dish before serving.

This recipe for green beans with garlic and smoked ham is not only quick and easy to make but also full of flavor, bringing a touch of good taste to your table. Enjoy every bite and savor the Mediterranean flavors!

 Ingredients: Fresh green beans 700 g, one large onion, a little red bell pepper, 100 g smoked bacon, 4 cloves of garlic, 5 small tomatoes (cherry), 4 tablespoons of tomato juice, salt, pepper, extra virgin olive oil.