Down-South Style Green Beans

Ingredients

• 6 cups water
• 1 ham hock
• 2 tablespoons lard or other cooking fat
• 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 pound fresh green beans - rinsed, trimmed and snapped into bite size pieces

Directions

Method written by CompKitchen from the ingredient list. Not the original author's method, not kitchen-tested.

1. Put the ham hock in a large pot, cover with the water, and bring to a boil over high heat.

2. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 45 minutes until the hock is tender and heated through.

3. Add the lard, seasoning salt, salt, black pepper, garlic powder and onion powder to the pot and stir to combine.

4. Add the green beans to the pot, cover, and simmer over low heat for about 60 minutes, stirring now and then, until the beans are very tender.

5. Lift out the ham hock, pull the meat off the bone, discard the bone and skin, and return the meat to the beans.

6. Simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes so the liquid reduces slightly, then taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.