Monday’s Bread Bowl: Runner Beans and Salt Pork

Healthy veggies get a kick of flavor

The vendor at the farmers’ market recommended that we try making this dish using half-runner beans. The salt pork adds a lot of flavor to this dish. Chopped onion and garlic also enhance the earthy and nutty flavors of the tender cooked green beans. Here is our recipe:

What you will need:

1 large stock pot with lid
1 wooden spoon
4 quarts water
2 quarts half runner beans, cleaned by clipping each end and removing the tough string along one side
1lb salt pork, sliced
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 yellow onion, chopped

Cooking and Directions:

Place pot on medium-high heat. Let pot heat for 3-5 minutes. Throw in salt pork and let the pieces sweat. Add onion and garlic. Let onion turn translucent while constantly stirring to prevent burning of garlic. Pour in all of the runner beans. Toss well. Add and pour in 4 quarts water. Let water reach a rolling boil then lower heat to medium low. Let the ingredients simmer slowly for at least 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours and then serve.

**Helpful Hint: Take the time to remove the fiber along the side of each bean. We were in a rush and didn't quite take the time to do that with each bean. While the dish still was good, it's not so fun pulling out tough strings while eating.