Country-style Green Beans

Country-style Green Beans Recipe from North America, USA

Region / culture: North America, USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Country-style green beans is a classic Southern dish that combines the flavors of bacon, green beans, onions, and potatoes. This hearty and comforting dish is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck gathering.

History

Country-style green beans have been a staple in Southern cuisine for generations. This dish originated as a way to make use of the abundant fresh produce available in the region, particularly green beans and potatoes. The addition of bacon adds a rich and savory flavor that complements the vegetables perfectly.

Ingredients

0.5 lb (227 g) diced bacon
1 x 14 oz (397 g) package of frozen green beans
2 small onions, chopped (red, white, or yellow only)
2 tsp salt
1 tsp white sugar
0.5 tsp red pepper
1 lb (454 g) peeled new potatoes

How to prepare

In a large saucepan, partially cover the bacon with water and bring to a boil for 20 minutes.
Add the beans, onions, salt, sugar, and red pepper.
Cover and cook for 15 minutes.
Add the potatoes and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Serve in a large vegetable dish along with other side dishes or appetizers.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for extra flavor and color.
Substitute sweet potatoes for the new potatoes for a twist on the classic recipe.
Use fresh green beans instead of frozen for a fresher taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to partially cover the bacon with water before boiling to help remove some of the excess saltiness.

- Adjust the amount of red pepper to suit your taste preferences – add more for a spicier dish or omit it entirely for a milder flavor.

- For a vegetarian version of this dish, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of water for boiling.

Serving Suggestions

Country-style green beans can be served as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, pork chops, or meatloaf. They also pair well with cornbread or biscuits.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making delicious country-style green beans is to cook them slowly over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together. Be sure to stir the ingredients occasionally to prevent sticking and burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have bacon on hand, you can use ham or smoked sausage as a substitute. You can also use canned green beans instead of frozen, but be sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to the dish.

Make Ahead Tips

Country-style green beans can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Simply store the cooked dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve country-style green beans in a large serving dish garnished with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Country-style green beans pair well with a variety of main dishes, including roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked fish. They also complement classic Southern sides like macaroni and cheese or collard greens.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover country-style green beans can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the dish in a microwave-safe container and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of country-style green beans contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of country-style green beans contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of country-style green beans contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of country-style green beans contains approximately 8 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Country-style green beans are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains bacon, which may be a potential allergen for some individuals.

Summary

Country-style green beans are a nutritious and delicious side dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy addition to any meal.

Summary

Country-style green beans are a delicious and nutritious side dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a rich and savory flavor profile, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for country-style green beans. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Martha, who lived on a small farm in the countryside. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the most mouth-watering aroma of simmering green beans, bacon, and onions.

Martha saw the look of fascination on my face and chuckled. "I see you're interested in my country-style green beans recipe," she said with a twinkle in her eye. "Would you like to learn how to make them?"

I eagerly nodded, and Martha proceeded to show me step by step how to create this delicious dish. She explained that the key to making the best country-style green beans was using fresh green beans straight from the garden. She also stressed the importance of cooking them low and slow to really develop the flavors.

As we chopped the onions and fried the bacon, Martha shared with me how she had learned this recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. She had fond memories of helping her grandmother in the kitchen, learning the tricks and techniques that made this dish so special.

As the green beans simmered away in the pot, Martha added a dash of salt, pepper, and a secret ingredient that she swore by – a sprinkle of brown sugar. She explained that the sweetness from the sugar balanced out the savory flavors of the bacon and onions, creating a perfect harmony of tastes.

After a few hours of cooking and stirring, the country-style green beans were finally ready. Martha ladled them into a serving dish and placed them on the table, inviting me to try a spoonful. The first bite was a revelation – the beans were tender, the bacon was crispy, and the flavors were rich and comforting.

I was hooked. From that day on, I knew that I had to make country-style green beans a staple in my own kitchen. I asked Martha for a copy of the recipe, which she gladly provided, along with a few extra tips and tricks she had picked up over the years.

Over time, I made this recipe my own, experimenting with different seasonings, adding extra vegetables like carrots and potatoes, and even trying out different types of bacon. Each time I made the dish, I thought of Martha and her grandmother, who had passed down this delicious tradition to me.

As the years went by, I became known among my family and friends for my country-style green beans. They would always ask me to bring them to gatherings and potlucks, and I was more than happy to oblige. I loved the way the dish brought people together, sparking conversations and creating a sense of warmth and comfort.

To this day, whenever I make country-style green beans, I think back to that summer day at Martha's farm, where I first learned the magic of this recipe. It reminds me of the power of food to connect us to our past, to our loved ones, and to the simple joys of life. And for that, I am forever grateful.