Green Beans, Pears, and Ham - Germany

• butter (or extra virgin olive oil)↗2 tablespoons
• large onion, thinly sliced↗1
• lb ham, cut into 1/2 inch chunks↗1 lb
• large pears, not overly ripe (Bosc is a good choice)↗2 -3
• lb fresh green beans↗3⁄4 lb
• salt, to taste↗
• pepper, to taste↗
• cup chicken stock↗1 cup

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Put the butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, cut the ham into 1/2 inch chunks. Add it and raise the heat to high.

2. 2

   When the ham cooks- stir it occasionally, but let it brown a bit on the bottom-peel and core the pears and cut them into 1‑inch chunks. Lower the heat to medium and add them to the pan; stir occasionally.

3. 3

   Trim the beans, cut them into roughly 2‑inch lengths, rinse them quickly, and add them to the skillet along with a sprinkling of salt and at least 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Cook for a minute, then raise the heat to medium-high, add the chicken stock, and stir.

4. 4

   Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beans are bright green and semi‑tender, the pears are quite tender, and the liquid so reduced that it is essentially a sauce, 10 - 15 minutes. Taste, adjust the seasoning, and serve.