Pear, Ham & Green Bean Salad

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €10.62 · €2.65/serving

• 2 tablespoons of creamy butter or extra virgin olive oilEst. price €0.20–€0.50
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced into delicate ribbons (sauté slowly over low heat for caramelized perfection)Est. price €0.40–€0.90
• 1 pound of savory ham or very lean bacon in one solid piece (slice thinly for added texture)Est. price €6.00–€12.00
• 2 or 3 large pears, preferably Bosc, not overly ripe, peeled and sliced thinly (toss with a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning)Est. price €1.00–€2.50
• 3/4 pound of crisp green beans, trimmed and blanched (shock in ice water to maintain vibrant color)Est. price €2.50–€4.50
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste (season generously for enhanced flavor)Est. price €0.02–€0.05
• 1 cup of rich chicken stock, preferably homemade (simmer slowly to concentrate flavors)Est. price €0.50–€1.50

Steps

1. 1

   Place the butter in a spacious deep skillet on medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted, introduce the onion and sauté it, stirring occasionally, for approximately 5 minutes. While the onion is cooking, dice the ham into pieces measuring 1/2 inch. Add the ham to the skillet and increase the heat to high.

2. 2

   As the ham is cooking, remember to stir it from time to time while allowing it to develop a nice brown color at the bottom of the pan. Meanwhile, peel and core the pears before cutting them into 1-inch chunks. Reduce the heat to medium and introduce the pears into the pan, stirring occasionally. Prepare the beans by trimming them, cutting into approximately 2-inch pieces, giving them a quick rinse, and adding them to the skillet along with some salt and at least 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. After cooking for a minute, increase the heat to medium-high, pour in the chicken stock, and give everything a good mix.

3. 3

   Stir the mixture occasionally and cook it until the beans turn a vibrant green color and become slightly tender, while the pears become very soft. Reduce the liquid until it reaches a saucy consistency, which should take around 10 to 15 minutes. Once done, taste the dish, make any necessary seasoning adjustments, and then it is ready to be served.

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• Cultural note

  The combination of ham, pears, and green beans in a salad is a popular dish in European cuisine, particularly in French and Italian culinary traditions where the balance of savory and sweet flavors is highly appreciated.

• Seasonal note

  This salad is best made in late summer to early fall when pears and green beans are in season, ensuring the freshest and most flavorful ingredients.

• Health note

  This salad is a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins A and C from the pears. However, it is high in sodium and saturated fat due to the ham and chicken stock, so it should be enjoyed in moderation.