Southern-Style Green Beans with Smoky Bacon

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) fresh green beans, ends trimmed 1 lb (450g) fresh green beans, ends trimmed
• 4 slices of smoky bacon, chopped 4 slices of smoky bacon, chopped
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken or vegetable broth 1 cup (240ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 12g, 4g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
3. 3.
   Add the green beans to the skillet and stir to coat them in the bacon grease. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the green beans start to soften.
4. 4.
   Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and sprinkle in the sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.
5. 5.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the green beans are tender but still slightly crisp.
6. 6.
   Stir in the cooked bacon and cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
7. 7.
   Serve the Southern-Style Green Beans hot as a side dish.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bacon — Choose a smoky bacon with good quality and flavor. Crisping the bacon before adding the other ingredients adds an extra layer of texture and taste to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the bacon with smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
• Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for a tangy twist.
• If you prefer softer green beans, cook them for a longer time until they reach your desired tenderness.
• Serve the green beans with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Southern-Style Green Beans are best served hot as a side dish alongside grilled meats, fried chicken, or other Southern classics. They pair well with cornbread or biscuits.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the Southern-Style Green Beans with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or crispy fried onions. Serve them in a rustic serving dish to capture the essence of Southern comfort food.