I use fresh string beans I pick the stems off wash well with cold water used a colander to drip of excess water slice them if you like. Saute dice onions, red bell pepper, minced garlic until translucent boil your ham or ham shanks until tender use less salt when you use smoke pork, dice potatoes, I boil my string beans until tender add potatoes , add liquid smoke. Add seasoings, simmer until done.