Preparation Bring ham hock and water to a boil with 2 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon pepper in a medium pot. Add green beans and cook, uncovered, until very soft, about 1 hour. Transfer ham hock to a cutting board and discard skin, then finely chop meat, discarding bone. Reserve 1 cup cooking liquid. Drain beans, then toss with ham and reserved cooking liquid. Season with salt and pepper. Cooks' note:Beans can be cooked 1 day ahead and chilled, covered.
Preparation Bring ham hock and water to a boil with 2 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon pepper in a medium pot. Add green beans and cook, uncovered, until very soft, about 1 hour. Transfer ham hock to a cutting board and discard skin, then finely chop meat, discarding bone. Reserve 1 cup cooking liquid. Drain beans, then toss with ham and reserved cooking liquid. Season with salt and pepper. Cooks' note:Beans can be cooked 1 day ahead and chilled, covered.