Southern Style Green Beans with Bacon

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste

Directions:

  1. In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté in the bacon grease until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  3. Add the fresh green beans to the skillet and toss to coat in the bacon grease and onions.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the brown sugar and black pepper. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Cover the skillet and cook the green beans for about 20 minutes, or until tender, stirring occasionally.
  6. Remove the lid and cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the liquid to reduce slightly.
  7. Stir the cooked bacon back into the green beans. Season with salt to taste before serving.
  8. Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
  9. Kcal: 150 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

FAQs:

  • What are Southern Style Green Beans with Bacon?
    • Southern Style Green Beans with Bacon are a traditional Southern dish featuring fresh green beans simmered until tender with crispy bacon pieces, onions, and flavorful seasonings.
  • What ingredients are typically used in Southern Style Green Beans with Bacon?
    • Key ingredients include fresh green beans (trimmed and halved), bacon slices (chopped), onion (diced), garlic (minced), chicken broth (or water), salt, black pepper, and optionally, red pepper flakes or vinegar for added flavor.
  • How do you prepare Southern Style Green Beans with Bacon?
    • Start by cooking chopped bacon in a large skillet until crispy. Remove some of the bacon fat if desired, then sauté diced onions until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in fresh green beans and sauté briefly. Pour in chicken broth (or water), season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using), and simmer until the green beans are tender and cooked to your liking.
  • Can I use canned green beans for this recipe?
    • Yes, you can use canned green beans for convenience. Drain and rinse them before adding to the skillet with bacon and onions. Adjust the cooking time accordingly as canned green beans are already partially cooked.
  • What makes Southern Style Green Beans with Bacon a classic Southern dish?
    • This dish is quintessentially Southern due to its use of fresh ingredients like green beans and bacon, cooked slowly to develop rich flavors. It’s often served as a side dish alongside other Southern classics like fried chicken, cornbread, and mashed potatoes.

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