Table of Contents

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

As the pleasant evening unfolds here in Marrakesh, the desire for a flavorful and easy side dish often arises. Today, we're sharing our recipe for Green Beans with Crispy Bacon: Easy & Delicious. This dish takes fresh green beans and elevates them with the irresistible crunch and savory flavor of crispy bacon, along with aromatic shallots, garlic, and a hint of fresh thyme. It's a simple yet incredibly satisfying way to enjoy green beans.

This recipe is all about layering flavors. The bacon is cooked until perfectly crispy, and its rendered fat is used to sauté the shallots and garlic, infusing them with smoky goodness. The green beans are then cooked to tender-crisp perfection and finished with fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Finally, the crispy bacon is tossed back in, adding a delightful textural contrast. If you enjoy flavorful and easy vegetable sides, especially those with the savory addition of bacon, much like our Southern Style Green Beans, you're going to love these Green Beans with Crispy Bacon. Let's get cooking!

2. Recipe Summary

• Cuisine: American
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Total preparation and cooking time: 30 minutes
• Dietary classification: Not vegetarian.

3. Equipment and Utensils

• Large skillet
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons

4. Serving Suggestions

• Plating: Serve the warm green beans in a bowl, ensuring each serving gets a good amount of crispy bacon.
• Main Course Pairings: Excellent with roasted chicken, pork chops, steak, or omelets.
• Complementary Side Dishes: Pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or a simple salad.
• Wine or Beverage Pairings: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir. For non-alcoholic options, try sparkling cider or iced tea.

5. Nutritional Information

• Detailed Nutritional Breakdown (per serving, estimated):
  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-12g
  • Protein: Approximately 15-18g
  • Fat: Approximately 30-35g
• Macronutrient Distribution: Roughly 10% Carbohydrates, 15% Protein, 75% Fat.
• Dietary Information: Not vegetarian.
• Potential Health Benefits: Green beans provide vitamins and fiber.

6. Storage and Reheating

• Proper Storage Instructions: Allow the cooked green beans and bacon 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, and the bacon may lose some of its crispness. Transfer to a freezer-safe container after cooling completely.
• Reheating Methods:
  • Stovetop: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. The bacon might crisp up a bit more.
  • Microwave: Reheat individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl, although the bacon may not regain its original crispness.

7. Expert Tips and Variations

• Tips from Professional Chefs: Cook the bacon until it's truly crispy for the best texture. Sautéing the shallots and garlic in the bacon fat adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
• Common Mistakes to Avoid: Overcooking the green beans until they are mushy; not making the bacon crispy enough.
• Creative Recipe Variations:
  • Nuts: Add toasted slivered almonds or pecans for extra crunch.
  • Vinegar: A splash of balsamic vinegar at the end can add a nice tang.
  • Spice: A pinch of red pepper flakes can introduce a subtle heat.
  • Cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese at the end can add a cheesy element.
• Seasonal Adaptations: Fresh green beans are typically best in the summer, but this recipe works well year-round.

8. Ingredients Section

• 500g fresh green beans, trimmed and cut (approximately 1.1 lbs)
  • Quality and Sourcing Recommendations: Look for firm, bright green beans.
  • Preparation Notes: Wash thoroughly and snap or cut into bite-sized pieces.
• 200g smoked bacon, cut into lardons (approximately 7 oz)
  • Quality and Sourcing Recommendations: Any good quality smoked bacon will work. Cut into small pieces.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Quality and Sourcing Recommendations: Extra virgin olive oil is recommended.
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
  • Sourcing: Produce section.
  • Preparation Notes: Peel and finely chop.
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • Sourcing: Fresh garlic.
  • Preparation Notes: Peel and gently crush.
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • Sourcing: Fresh herbs in the produce section.
• Freshly ground black pepper and salt, to taste

Metric Conversions (Approximate):

• 500g green beans ≈ 1.1 lbs
• 200g bacon ≈ 7 oz
• 1 tablespoon olive oil ≈ 15 ml
• 1 shallot ≈ 50g (depending on size)
• 2 garlic cloves ≈ 10g
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme ≈ 1g

9. Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook Bacon: Cook the bacon lardons in a large skillet over medium heat until they are crispy. Remove the crispy bacon from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the olive oil to the skillet with the bacon fat. Add the finely chopped shallot and crushed garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
3. Cook Green Beans: Add the trimmed and cut green beans to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender-crisp.
4. Season: Add the fresh thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Add Bacon Back: Return the crispy bacon to the skillet. Gently toss everything together.
6. Serve: Serve immediately.

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10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)