Oven or Air Fryer Roasting a Quick Comfort Dish

Roasting vegetables on high heat concentrates flavor and adds a meatier texture.

I’m a happy gardener when I have fresh snap beans accumulating. As a child of the 50’s the only offering was boiled or steamed. Meh! Now the toaster oven or my air fryer wakes these darlin’s up with a firmer texture and caramelized flavors.

This version stands out; you toss the beans in oil and lay onto a sheet pan and then sprinkle the ham and onions on the top so they brown nicely in about 10 minutes

INGREDIENTS: Serves 3-5

• green beans – 4 cups, trimmed and halved
• olive oil – 1 TBS
• salt – 1/4 tsp
• pepper – 1/8 tsp
• onion, yellow – 1/4 cup, sliced [or shallot]
• ham – 1/4 cup, diced [or prosciutto, or pancetta]
• vinegar – 1/2 tsp, or lemon juice
• OPTIONAL: fresh mushrooms, halved [in place of ham]

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 425º
2. In a bowl toss the beans in the oil and season with salt and pepper; spread out evenly onto a sheet pan in one layer
3. Cut the onion in wedges and then pull apart; each piece should then be cut in half inch squares
4. Dice the ham in 1/4 inch cubes [if using mushrooms, cut into quarters]
5. In the same bowl add the ham and onions and toss with a little more olive oil; then sprinkle evenly about the green beans; use your fingers to evenly space them about the top of the beans
6. Roast for 12 to 15 minutes until the onion and ham take on some browning
7. Toss with a spritz of vinegar or lemon juice

AIR FRYER INSTRUCTIONS: Repeat steps above but set temperature to 380º and cook for 8 to 10 minutes checking at the halfway mark

ALTERNATE RECIPE: Brown Butter & Sage

This is a classic flavor combo.

• Exchange melted butter for the oil and toss beans with 2 tsp rubbed sage

• If you like, top with sliced almonds, toasted pine nuts, or chopped roasted peanuts

Recipe adapted by B. Hettig