1. Introduction
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
As the late May evening air here in Marrakesh carries the subtle scents of the city, the thought of a comforting and flavorful side dish often comes to mind. Today, we’re sharing our recipe for Southern Style Green Beans: Easy & Authentic. This dish takes fresh green beans and elevates them with the savory goodness of bacon, sweet onions, and a touch of richness from butter, all simmered in chicken broth until tender. It’s a classic Southern side that’s both easy to make and deeply satisfying.
This recipe embodies the heartiness of Southern cooking. The smoky bacon provides a foundational flavor, the softened onions add sweetness, and the green beans become wonderfully tender while still retaining a bit of their texture. The touch of sugar enhances the overall flavor profile, creating a balanced and delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses. If you enjoy flavorful and comforting vegetable sides, perhaps with a bit more depth than our simply Sautéed Fresh Green Beans, you’ll find these Southern Style Green Beans to be a delightful addition to your table. Let’s get cooking!
2. Recipe Summary
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Total preparation and cooking time: 40 minutes
- Dietary classification: Not strictly vegetarian.
3. Equipment and Utensils
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon
4. Serving Suggestions
- Plating: Serve the warm green beans in a bowl, making sure to include some of the flavorful liquid and crispy bacon bits.
- Main Course Pairings: Excellent with fried chicken, barbecue, pork chops, or meatloaf.
- Complementary Side Dishes: Pairs well with mashed potatoes, cornbread, or coleslaw.
- Wine or Beverage Pairings: A crisp rosé or a light-bodied red like Beaujolais. For non-alcoholic options, try iced tea or lemonade.
5. Nutritional Information
- Detailed Nutritional Breakdown (per serving, estimated):
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-12g
- Protein: Approximately 5-7g
- Fat: Approximately 8-10g
- Macronutrient Distribution: Roughly 30% Carbohydrates, 20% Protein, 50% Fat.
- Dietary Information: Not strictly vegetarian.
- Potential Health Benefits: Green beans are a good source of vitamins and fiber.
6. Storage and Reheating
- Proper Storage Instructions: Allow the cooked green beans to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Refrigeration Instructions: Keep refrigerated at or below 40°F (4°C).
- Freezing Recommendations: Cooked green beans with bacon can be frozen, although the texture of the beans might be slightly softer after thawing. Transfer to a freezer-safe container after cooling completely.
- Reheating Methods:
- Stovetop: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
- Microwave: Reheat individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl.
7. Expert Tips and Variations
- Tips from Professional Chefs: Cooking the bacon until crispy and then using the rendered fat to sauté the onions adds depth of flavor. Simmering the green beans gently allows them to absorb the flavors of the broth and bacon.
- Common Mistakes to Avoid: Overcooking the green beans until they are mushy; not seasoning adequately.
- Creative Recipe Variations:
- Meat: Some variations include a ham hock simmered with the beans for even more flavor.
- Spice: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle heat.
- Vinegar: A splash of apple cider vinegar at the end can add a nice tang.
- Potatoes: Small diced potatoes can be added to the pot along with the green beans for a heartier side.
- Seasonal Adaptations: Fresh green beans are typically best in the summer, but this recipe works well year-round.
8. Ingredients Section
- 1 kg fresh green beans, ends trimmed (approximately 2.2 lbs)
- Quality and Sourcing Recommendations: Look for firm, bright green beans.
- Preparation Notes: Wash thoroughly and snap or cut off the ends.
- 125g smoked bacon, diced (approximately 4.4 oz)
- Quality and Sourcing Recommendations: Any good quality smoked bacon will work.
- Preparation Notes: Dice into small pieces.
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- Sourcing: Yellow onion.
- Preparation Notes: Roughly chop.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Sourcing: Fresh garlic.
- Preparation Notes: Finely mince.
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Sourcing: Dairy aisle.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- Sourcing: Baking aisle.
- 250 ml chicken broth (approximately 1 cup)
- Quality and Sourcing Recommendations: Low sodium is recommended.
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Metric Conversions (Approximate):
- 1 kg green beans ≈ 2.2 lbs
- 125g bacon ≈ 4.4 oz
- 1 large yellow onion ≈ 150g
- 2 garlic cloves ≈ 10g
- 1 tablespoon butter ≈ 14g
- 1 tablespoon flour ≈ 8g
- 250 ml chicken broth ≈ 1 cup
- 1 teaspoon sugar ≈ 4g
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ≈ 3g
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ≈ 0.5g
9. Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook Bacon: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until golden brown and crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the bacon fat and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Make Roux: Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Add Broth: Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Simmer Green Beans: Add the trimmed green beans, sugar, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the green beans are tender but still slightly crisp.
- Add Bacon Back: Stir the cooked bacon back into the skillet.
- Serve: Serve hot.
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10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How to make homemade green beans southern style?
To make homemade green beans Southern style, you’ll typically need: 1. Fresh green beans, snapped or trimmed. 2. Some kind of pork for flavor (like bacon, salt pork, or ham hocks). 3. Water or broth. 4. Onion and garlic (optional). 5. Seasonings like salt and pepper.
Why are they called French style green beans?
Green beans prepared “French style,” or haricots verts, are typically: * A specific, slender and thin variety of green bean. * Often cooked simply, such as by blanching or sautéing, to maintain a slightly crisp texture. * Frequently served with minimal seasoning, perhaps just butter, salt, and pepper, to highlight their fresh flavor.
What are the three types of green beans?
While there are many varieties, green beans can be broadly categorized by their growth habit and pod shape: 1. Bush beans: Grow on short, bushy plants and produce a concentrated yield over a shorter period. 2. Pole beans: Grow on vines that need support (like poles or trellises) and produce a continuous harvest throughout the growing season. 3. French green beans (Haricots Verts): As mentioned, these are a specific, slender variety that can be either bush or pole, but are often distinguished by their delicate texture.
What are French style green beans good for?
French style green beans (haricots verts) are good for: * Dishes where a more delicate texture and refined presentation are desired. * Simple preparations where the fresh, slightly grassy flavor of the beans can shine, such as lightly sautéed with butter and herbs. * Salads where their slender shape and tender-crisp texture are appealing. * Side dishes that complement more elegant or lighter main courses.