Creole Smothered Green Beans

Side Dish

Serves 8

Recipe courtesy of Celestine Dunbar, Dunbar's Restaurant, New Orleans

Ingredients:

6 pounds fresh or frozen green beans, cleaned and cut into two-inch pieces
1 large onion, chopped medium
1 pound pickled seasoning ham
1 tablespoon Creole seasoning-spice mix
1 tablespoon black pepper
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 cups water
3 medium Irish potatoes, peeled and coarsely chopped

Note: Four heads of coarsely chopped cabbage or four bunches fresh mustard or collard greens may be substituted for green beans. If using mustard greens, add one tablespoon sugar when adding spices. This tempers the bitter flavor of the mustard greens.

Creole Smothered Green Beans

Click image to enlarge

Image courtesy of George Graham

Method:

Add beans, onion, ham, spices and oil to medium stockpot. Mix thoroughly. Add water. Bring to boil over high heat.
Reduce heat, cover and simmer 20 minutes.

Scatter potatoes over top of bean mixture. Cover and return to heat.
The dish is ready to be served when potatoes are tender, app. 15-20 minutes.