Creole Green Beans
Creole Green Beans Recipe - A Delicious American Classic
Introduction
Creole Green Beans is a classic Southern dish that combines fresh snap beans with bacon drippings and a blend of seasonings for a flavorful side dish.
History
Creole Green Beans has its roots in traditional Southern cuisine, where fresh vegetables are often cooked with bacon drippings to enhance their flavor. This dish has been a staple on Southern dinner tables for generations.
Ingredients
- 0.5 lb (227 g) fresh snap beans
- 3 tbsp bacon drippings
- 5 new potatoes soaked in water with a little soda then scraped
- 1 small white onion, chopped
- 1 tsp sugar
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup boiling water
How to prepare
- In a small stew pan, combine all the ingredients. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes. Reduce the heat and continue cooking for 15 minutes.
Variations
- Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for a different flavor profile.
- Substitute turkey bacon for a lower-fat option.
- Top with toasted breadcrumbs for added crunch.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to use fresh snap beans for the best flavor and texture.
- Cooking the beans in bacon drippings adds a rich, smoky flavor to the dish.
- Adjust the seasonings to taste, adding more salt or pepper if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Creole Green Beans as a side dish with grilled chicken or pork chops for a complete meal.
Cooking Techniques
Cook the beans covered to steam them and ensure they are tender.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use olive oil in place of bacon drippings for a vegetarian option.
- Use frozen green beans if fresh are not available.
Make Ahead Tips
Creole Green Beans can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Creole Green Beans in a colorful serving dish for a vibrant presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair Creole Green Beans with cornbread and sweet tea for a classic Southern meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftover Creole Green Beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Calories: 80 per serving
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates: 7g per serving
Fats
Total Fat: 6g per serving
Proteins
Protein: 2g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
Creole Green Beans are a good source of Vitamin C and Vitamin A.
Alergens
Contains: Pork (bacon drippings)
Summary
Creole Green Beans are a nutritious side dish that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Creole Green Beans are a delicious and nutritious side dish that is perfect for any Southern meal. With a rich flavor from bacon drippings and a blend of seasonings, these green beans are sure to be a hit at your next dinner party.
How did I get this recipe?
I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Creole Green Beans. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, visiting my Aunt Marie in New Orleans. Aunt Marie was a wonderful cook, known throughout the neighborhood for her delicious Creole dishes. I remember the smell of spices and herbs that filled her cozy kitchen, and the sound of jazz music playing softly in the background.
One hot summer day, Aunt Marie invited me to help her prepare dinner. As we stood side by side at the stove, she took out a worn and stained recipe card from a small wooden box. "This here is my secret recipe for Creole Green Beans," she said with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "I learned it from my own grandmother, who learned it from her mother before her. It's been passed down through the generations, and now I'm passing it on to you."
I watched in awe as Aunt Marie deftly chopped onions and bell peppers, sautéed them in a fragrant blend of garlic and spices, and added them to a pot of fresh green beans. The aroma that wafted from the pot was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.
When dinner was finally served, I took my first bite of Aunt Marie's Creole Green Beans and my taste buds exploded with flavor. The beans were tender yet still had a bit of a crunch, the sauce was rich and savory, and the spices danced on my tongue. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself.
Over the years, I practiced making Creole Green Beans whenever I could, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. I added a dash of cayenne for a bit of heat, a splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavor, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. Each time I made the dish, I thought of Aunt Marie and the time we spent together in her kitchen, bonding over our shared love of cooking.
As I grew older and started a family of my own, I passed on Aunt Marie's recipe for Creole Green Beans to my own children. I taught them how to chop onions, sauté peppers, and season the beans just right. They loved helping me in the kitchen, just as I had loved helping Aunt Marie all those years ago.
Now, as a grandmother myself, I take great joy in teaching my grandchildren how to make Creole Green Beans. I tell them the story of Aunt Marie and how she passed the recipe down to me, and now I am passing it down to them. I watch as their faces light up with excitement as they stir the beans in the pot, inhaling the mouthwatering aroma that fills the kitchen.
Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with my family, to keep our traditions alive, and to create memories that will last a lifetime. And every time I make Aunt Marie's Creole Green Beans, I am reminded of the love and laughter that has filled my kitchen over the years.
So as I stand at the stove, stirring the pot of simmering beans and savoring the familiar scent of spices and herbs, I am grateful for the legacy that Aunt Marie passed on to me. And I know that as long as I continue to cook and share this recipe with my loved ones, a piece of her will live on in each delicious bite.
Categories
| American Recipes | Bacon Grease Recipes | Cathy's Recipes | Creole Recipes | Green Bean Recipes | New Potato Recipes | Onion Recipes |