Southern Style Green Beans

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 onion, halved and sliced thin

4 cups water

1-1/2 pounds green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-1/2-inch lengths

2 (12-ounce) smoked ham hocks

3 garlic cloves, crushed and peeled

Salt and black pepper

1 pound red potatoes, unpeeled, cut into 1-inch pieces

1. Heat oil in Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes.
2. Add water, green beans, ham hocks, garlic, and 2-1/4 teaspoons salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Stir in potatoes, cover, and continue to simmer until potatoes are tender, about 30 minutes longer, stirring halfway through cooking.
3. Off heat, remove ham hocks and let cool for 5 minutes. Chop meat and return to pot; discard skin and bones. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve.

Serves 6 to 8