Imagine a side dish that transports you straight to a cozy Southern kitchen, where flavors are bold, and every bite tells a story of tradition and love. These Good Old Southern Green Beans aren't just a vegetable side—they're a culinary experience that transforms humble ingredients into a mouth-watering masterpiece. Infused with crispy bacon, slow-simmered to tender perfection, and bursting with rich, savory flavor, this recipe will elevate your meal from ordinary to extraordinary!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans
- 4 slices bacon
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the fresh green beans thoroughly under cold running water. Trim off the stem ends and remove any stringy parts.
- Cut the bacon slices into small pieces, about 1/2 inch wide.
- In a large heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan, cook the bacon pieces over medium heat until they become crisp and release their fat, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the bacon and cook until the onion becomes translucent and slightly golden, stirring occasionally, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the trimmed green beans to the skillet and stir to combine with the bacon and onions, coating the beans with the rendered bacon fat.
- Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, ensuring the green beans are mostly submerged in the liquid.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, remembering that the bacon will add some saltiness.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the green beans simmer slowly until they become tender and most of the liquid has reduced, approximately 25-30 minutes.
- Occasionally stir the beans and check the liquid level to prevent burning. Add a little more broth if needed.
- Once the green beans are soft and the liquid has mostly evaporated, remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with the crispy bacon pieces from the skillet.
Tips
- Choose fresh, crisp green beans for the best texture and flavor.
- Cut bacon into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and crispy results.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan to distribute heat evenly.
- Don't rush the simmering process—low and slow is the key to tender beans.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as you cook, remembering bacon adds natural saltiness.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Let the beans rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld together.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
