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Judías Verdes con Jamón, or Green Beans with Ham, this beloved recipe brings together crisp green beans and savoury jamón (Spanish cured ham) to create a side dish that’s both hearty and refreshing.
While it might appear simple at first glance, the flavours here are rich and satisfying, proving once again that Spanish cuisine doesn’t need complexity to impress.
What Is Judías Verdes con Jamón?
Judías Verdes con Jamón is a traditional Spanish dish featuring green beans lightly sautéed with small pieces of jamón. The green beans are typically blanched to preserve their vibrant colour and crunch, then combined with the ham in a hot skillet to absorb its rich, salty flavour.
A little olive oil, garlic, and sometimes a hint of onion or fresh herbs finish off the dish, creating a balance that’s light but full of flavour. This dish is usually served as a tapa or as a side, though its satisfying flavour profile can make it a delightful main on a light evening.
In Spain, Judías Verdes con Jamón is a testament to the country’s love for fresh ingredients and straightforward cooking. It’s a dish that embodies Spanish culinary values, celebrating local ingredients and letting each one shine.
Ingredients and Taste
The key ingredients in Judías Verdes con Jamón are simple yet distinctive. Fresh green beans are essential, offering a crisp texture and a subtle, slightly sweet flavour.
The ham, typically Jamón Serrano or Jamón Ibérico, brings a depth of savouriness that contrasts beautifully with the freshness of the beans. Spanish cured ham is known for its intense, nutty flavour, which becomes even more pronounced when lightly cooked.
Olive oil is used to sauté the garlic and infuse the dish with richness, while the garlic itself adds an aromatic, slightly pungent note that complements the ham’s saltiness.
The result is a dish where each component plays its part, the green beans providing freshness, the jamón a rich, meaty depth, and the garlic a fragrant backdrop that ties it all together.
When served warm, Judías Verdes con Jamón is a satisfying blend of salty, savoury, and fresh flavours, with a texture that’s tender yet lively.
A Taste of History
Judías Verdes con Jamón has been enjoyed in Spain for generations, especially in regions where green beans and cured ham are abundant. The dish reflects Spain’s rich agricultural heritage and the tradition of preserving meat through curing, methods that have shaped Spanish cooking for centuries.
Cured ham, or jamón, has long been a symbol of Spanish gastronomy, prized for its unique flavour and versatility. Combining it with green beans, a humble vegetable staple, highlights the Spanish approach to cooking: making the most of what’s available and letting quality ingredients shine.
As with many classic Spanish dishes, Judías Verdes con Jamón celebrates the land and the changing seasons. In the summer, fresh green beans are harvested and added to family meals, while jamón, preserved from autumn, remains a year-round delicacy.
Together, they create a dish that’s both practical and delicious, reflecting Spain’s deep appreciation for food that’s simple yet full of flavour.
Judías Verdes con Jamón (Green Beans with Ham) Recipe
Serves: 4 people
Ingredients:
- 500g fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
- 150g jamón serrano (Spanish cured ham), diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the green beans and blanch them for 5-7 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. This step helps preserve their colour and texture.
While the beans are blanching, prepare a large bowl of ice water. Once the beans have finished cooking, immediately transfer them to the ice water to halt the cooking process and retain their vibrant colour. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the onion. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant, taking care not to let it brown, as this can make it bitter.
Add the diced jamón serrano to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. The jamón should start to release its flavours and become slightly crispy, enhancing the savoury profile of the dish.
Add the blanched green beans to the skillet with the onion, garlic, and jamón. Toss gently to combine, allowing the flavours to meld. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember that jamón is already quite salty, so taste before adding more salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasoning.
Serve the Judías Verdes con Jamón warm, either directly from the skillet or transferred to a serving dish. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly ground pepper for a touch of flavour and contrast. This dish pairs wonderfully with rustic bread to enjoy every savoury bite.
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