Smoky New Potatoes and Green Beans

• 2 smoked ham hocks
• 2 pounds green beans, stem ends trimmed
• 1/2 cup sugar (or less to taste; see note)
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 pounds small red new potatoes, rinsed and trimmed of any imperfections
• 1 recipe Smash Seasoning (page 112)
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Hot sauce, for serving (optional)

1. Place the ham hocks in a large pot, and add enough water just to cover, then bring the water to a boil.
2. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 1/2 hours, skimming any scum that rises to the surface, until the ham hocks are very tender and the meat is falling away from the bone.
3. Add the green beans, sugar, and salt to the pot and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for another 25 minutes.
4. Add the potatoes and Smash Seasoning to the pot, and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes more.
5. Remove the ham hocks from the pot.
6. Discard the leathery skin (it should pull off easily), and, using a fork, pull the meat from the bone.
7. Coarsely chop the meat, and add it back to the pot.
8. Taste for seasonings, and then serve with hot sauce, if desired.

ham hocks, green beans, sugar, kosher salt, red new potatoes, freshly ground black pepper, sauce

Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/smoky-new-potatoes-and-green-beans-375311 (may not work)