Green Beans With Garlic And Ham - cooking recipe

Ingredients

24 cloves garlic (peeled, halved lengthwise)
2 tablespoons salt
3 lbs green beans, trimmed
5 tablespoons olive oil
3/4 lb ham steak, cut into strips 1/4 x 2 inches
3 tablespoons unsalted butter

Preparation

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Add garlic; cook 8 minutes until very tender.
Transfer to a paper towel using a slotted spoon.
Pat dry.
Add salt to pot; return water to boil and add green beans.
Cook beans until just tender, about 6 minutes.
Drain beans, rinse under cold water, pat dry and set aside.
Heat 2 T oil in heavy nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
Add ham and saute until crisp, 6 or 7 minutes depending on the moisture content of the ham.
Set aside.
Can be prepared 1 day ahead.
Keep garlic separate from beans and ham.
Melt butter with remaining oil in a large heavy skillet over medium high heat.
Add garlic and mash with a fork or the back of a spoon.
Add green beans and ham.
Toss until heated through and coated with garlic.
Season to your taste with salt and pepper.
Serve.