Description
Southern comfort finds its soul in this hearty bacon and green beans dish, blending rustic flavors with simple Southern charm. Crisp bacon and tender green beans mingle perfectly, inviting you to savor a classic side that speaks directly to home-cooked happiness.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, ends trimmed
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
Seasonings:
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Liquid:
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature and render bacon pieces until golden and crisp, about 5-6 minutes. Transfer crispy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Utilize the remaining bacon drippings to sauté diced onions, stirring frequently until translucent and softened, approximately 4 minutes.
- Add green beans to the skillet, tossing them in the aromatic bacon fat to coat evenly and promote caramelization.
- Sprinkle brown sugar, garlic powder, and freshly cracked black pepper across the beans, creating a complex flavor profile.
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet, allowing the liquid to gently simmer and help steam the green beans to tender perfection, around 8-10 minutes.
- Reduce heat and continue cooking until the liquid minimizes and creates a light glaze coating the vegetables.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, ensuring balanced flavors throughout the dish.
- Reintroduce the crispy bacon pieces, gently folding them into the green beans to distribute the smoky, crunchy elements.
- Transfer to a serving dish, allowing the warm beans to showcase their southern-inspired preparation.
Notes
- Choose thick-cut bacon for richer flavor and crispier texture that holds up well when mixed with green beans.
- Trim green bean ends and cut into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and consistent tenderness.
- Instead of discarding bacon grease, use it as a flavorful cooking medium to enhance the overall dish’s depth and richness.
- For vegetarian version, replace bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke to maintain a similar smoky profile without meat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg