Green Beans with Soffritto and Country Ham

In a large saucepan of boiling salted water, cook the beans until crisp-tender, about 4 minutes.

Drain the beans and cut them into 1-inch lengths.

In a medium skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of the olive oil.

Add the carrots, celery, onion, crushed red pepper and oregano and cook over low heat until the vegetables are just tender, about 25 minutes. Season the soffritto with salt and pepper.

In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil.

Add the garlic and cook over moderate heat until fragrant, about 1 1/2 minutes.

Add the country ham and rosemary and cook over moderately high heat until the ham is sizzling, about 1 minute. Stir in the vinegar.

Add the green beans and soffritto and toss until heated through. Season with salt and pepper and serve.