Southern Green Beans are a beloved dish in Southern cuisine, known for their rich, savory flavor. Often slow-cooked with bacon, onions, and seasoning, they are tender, flavorful, and perfect as a side dish. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe to make them:
Southern Green Beans
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs fresh green beans (or 4 cups frozen green beans)
- 1/2 lb bacon (chopped)
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2-3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance the flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Instructions:
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Prepare the green beans:
- Trim the ends of the green beans. If using fresh beans, you can break them into bite-sized pieces or leave them whole.
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Cook the bacon:
- In a large pot 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 drippings in the pot.
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Sauté the onion and garlic:
- In the same pot with the bacon drippings, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
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Add the green beans:
- Add the green beans to the pot, stirring to coat them in the bacon fat and onions. If you’re using frozen green beans, just add them straight in.
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Simmer with broth:
- Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle the sugar, salt, and pepper (and paprika/red pepper flakes if desired) over the beans. Stir everything together.
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Cook low and slow:
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer you cook them, the more tender and flavorful they’ll become.
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Finish with bacon:
- After the green beans are tender and the broth has mostly absorbed, stir in the cooked bacon bits and let everything cook for another 5 minutes.
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Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm.
Optional Add-ins:
- New potatoes: Add some small potatoes to the dish while simmering for a heartier meal.
- Apple cider vinegar: A splash of apple cider vinegar can add a tangy depth to the dish.
These Southern Green Beans are savory, smoky, and tender, making them a great addition to any meal, especially with fried chicken, cornbread, or roast meats. Enjoy!