- 1 meaty ham hock (about 10 ounces)
- 2 quarts water
- 2 pound green beans, trimmed
- Bring ham hock and water to a boil with 2 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon pepper in a medium pot. Add green beans and cook, uncovered, until very soft, about 1 hour.
- Transfer ham hock to a cutting board and discard skin, then finely chop meat, discarding bone.
- Reserve 1 cup cooking liquid. Drain beans, then toss with ham and reserved cooking liquid. Season with salt and pepper.