Green Bean, Yellow Pepper, and Bacon Salad

Green Bean, Yellow Pepper, and Bacon Salad Recipe from Mozambique

Region / culture: Mozambique | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 5 minutes | Servings: 8-10

Introduction

This Green Bean, Yellow Pepper, and Bacon Salad is a delicious and colorful dish that is perfect for a summer barbecue or picnic. The combination of crisp green beans, sweet yellow pepper, and savory bacon is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

This recipe is inspired by traditional Mozambican cuisine, which often features fresh vegetables and bold flavors. The addition of bacon adds a rich and smoky element to the dish, making it a satisfying and flavorful side dish.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) green beans, trimmed
1 tbsp red-wine vinegar
1 tsp dijon-style mustard
0.5 tsp dried oregano, crumbled
0.25 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 small yellow bell pepper, cut into paper-thin strips
6 slices lean bacon, cooked until crisp and drained

How to prepare

In a kettle of boiling water, cook the beans for 2 to 4 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender. Drain them and refresh them in a bowl of ice and cold water.
In a large bowl, whisk together the vinegar, mustard, and oregano. Add the oil in a stream, whisking until the vinaigrette is emulsified.
To the vinaigrette, add the well-drained beans, yellow pepper, and crumbled bacon. Toss the salad and season it with salt and black pepper.
The salad may be made 8 hours in advance.
Serves 8 to 10.
Category: Mozambican Recipes

Variations

Add some crumbled feta or goat cheese for a creamy and tangy twist.
Swap out the yellow pepper for red or orange pepper for a different flavor profile.
Try adding some fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a burst of freshness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the green beans until they are just crisp-tender to maintain their bright green color and crunchy texture.

- Crumble the bacon over the salad just before serving to ensure that it stays crisp.

- For a vegetarian version of this salad, simply omit the bacon and add some toasted nuts or seeds for added crunch.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is delicious on its own as a side dish, but it also pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. Serve it alongside some crusty bread or a simple grain salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to this salad is to cook the green beans until they are just tender, but still have a bit of crunch. Be sure to refresh them in ice water after cooking to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have yellow pepper on hand, you can use red or orange pepper instead. You can also use turkey bacon or pancetta in place of the lean bacon for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

This salad can be made up to 8 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just be sure to wait to add the bacon until just before serving to keep it crisp.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this salad in a large bowl or platter and garnish with some fresh herbs or a sprinkle of bacon crumbles for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, seafood, or vegetarian entrees. It also goes well with a glass of crisp white wine or a light beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds or enjoy it cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this salad contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this salad contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this salad contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of this salad contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate, thanks to the green beans and yellow pepper.

Alergens

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

Summary

Overall, this salad is a nutritious and balanced dish that is packed with vitamins and minerals. It is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.

Summary

This Green Bean, Yellow Pepper, and Bacon Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its vibrant colors and bold flavors, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a hot summer day, and I was rummaging through my old recipe box, searching for something new to try. I came across a yellowed index card with faded writing that simply said, "Green Bean, Yellow Pepper, and Bacon Salad." Intrigued, I decided to give it a try.

I had acquired this recipe many years ago from a dear friend who had visited the South of France and had fallen in love with the fresh, vibrant flavors of the local cuisine. She had brought back a handful of recipes to share with me, and this salad was one of them.

As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could almost taste the crisp green beans, the sweet yellow peppers, and the salty bacon all tossed together in a tangy vinaigrette. It sounded like the perfect summer salad to enjoy on a warm evening with a glass of chilled white wine.

I gathered all the ingredients I needed and set to work in the kitchen, slicing the yellow peppers into thin strips and blanching the green beans until they were just tender. The smell of sizzling bacon filled the air as I cooked it until it was perfectly crisp.

Once everything was ready, I tossed the green beans, yellow peppers, and bacon together in a large bowl and drizzled over the vinaigrette, made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey. I gave everything a good toss to ensure that every bite would be bursting with flavor.

As I took my first bite of the salad, I was immediately transported to the sun-soaked hills of Provence, where fields of green beans and yellow peppers stretched out as far as the eye could see. The combination of flavors was absolutely exquisite – the crunch of the beans, the sweetness of the peppers, and the smokiness of the bacon all complemented each other perfectly.

I couldn't believe how simple it was to make such a delicious dish. It quickly became one of my go-to recipes for family gatherings and dinner parties, always receiving rave reviews from everyone who tried it.

Over the years, I have made some slight adjustments to the original recipe, adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a handful of toasted nuts for extra crunch. But the core flavors of green beans, yellow peppers, and bacon have remained the same, reminding me of that fateful day when I first discovered this hidden gem in my recipe box.

Now, whenever I make this salad, I can't help but think of my friend who brought this recipe into my life and the beautiful memories we shared together. Food has a way of connecting us to the past, and this salad is a delicious reminder of the friendships and adventures that have shaped my life.

So, the next time you're looking for a refreshing and flavorful salad to serve at your next gathering, give this Green Bean, Yellow Pepper, and Bacon Salad a try. I promise you won't be disappointed – it's a taste of summer in every bite. Bon appétit!