Description
Southern green beans simmer with bacon and onions, creating a rich, comforting side dish. Country kitchens celebrate this classic recipe, where tender beans mingle with smoky, savory flavors you’ll crave at every meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed
- 4 slices bacon, diced
- 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 cups chicken broth
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Finishing Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, crisp diced bacon until golden and fat has rendered, approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent burning.
- Add chopped onions to the bacon fat, sautéing until translucent and slightly caramelized, about 4-5 minutes. Introduce minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
- Remove bacon and onion mixture using a slotted spoon, reserving the flavorful drippings in the pot.
- Place trimmed green beans directly into the bacon drippings, pouring chicken broth to just cover the vegetables. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning for extra depth.
- Bring liquid to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1-1.5 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
- Once beans are exceptionally tender, drain any remaining liquid. Reintroduce the reserved bacon and onion mixture, stirring to combine.
- Add butter and allow it to melt completely, coating the beans and creating a rich, glossy finish.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately while hot, allowing the robust flavors to shine.
Notes
- Choose thick-cut bacon for deeper, richer flavor that will enhance the overall taste of the green beans.
- Remove excess bacon grease if you prefer a lighter dish, leaving just enough to coat the pot and add flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, replace bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke to maintain a similar depth of smoky taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner, Side Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg