Green Beans, Pears, and Ham

Name: Green Beans, Pears, and Ham
Yield: makes 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter or extra virgin olive oil; 1 large onion, thinly sliced; 1 pound ham or very lean bacon in one piece; 2 or 3 large pears, preferably Bosc, not overly ripe; 3/4 pound green beans; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 cup chicken stock, preferably homemade (page 160)

December 14, 2011

I never did find out what this was called in Germany, but I do know it’s surprisingly good even though it’s the kind of concoction you’d come up with to make use of the last three ingredients in the house. The pears’ sweetness offsets the saltiness of the ham (this is a good place to use ordinary ham, as long as it’s not too sweet; prosciutto or the like would be overkill), the green beans add freshness (and welcome color), and the three distinct textures make the eating fun. Serve with simply cooked meat or fish.

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