Southern-style green beans are a perfect side dish for any meal, especially during the holidays! They’re full of flavor and often cooked low and slow to bring out their richness. Here’s a classic recipe:
Southern Green Beans
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs fresh green beans (or 4 cups frozen green beans)
- 1/2 lb bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, helps balance flavor)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)
Instructions:
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Cook the bacon:
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
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Sauté the onions and garlic:
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
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Add the green beans:
- Add the green beans to the skillet, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic. If you’re using fresh beans, you can cut off the ends or leave them whole, depending on your preference. If you’re using frozen beans, just add them straight in.
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Simmer with broth:
- Pour in the chicken broth (or water) and sprinkle in the sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together. If you like a little kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
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Cook low and slow:
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let the green beans cook for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the beans to absorb all the delicious flavors.
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Finish with bacon:
- Once the green beans are tender and flavorful, stir in the cooked bacon bits. Let everything cook together for another 5 minutes for the flavors to meld.
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Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm as a savory side dish.
These Southern-style green beans are savory, smoky, and full of flavor. They pair perfectly with roast meats, cornbread, and mashed potatoes! Enjoy!