Green Beans with Bacon and Mushrooms

Green Beans with Bacon and Mushrooms Recipe

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Green Beans with Bacon and Mushrooms is a delicious and savory side dish that is perfect for any meal. The combination of crispy bacon, tender mushrooms, and flavorful green beans creates a dish that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

This recipe is a classic dish that has been enjoyed for generations. The combination of green beans, bacon, and mushrooms is a popular one that has stood the test of time. It is a simple yet flavorful dish that is easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

6 pieces of bacon, chopped
0.5 cup of chopped onion (2.75 oz / 78 g)
4 oz (113 g) can of mushrooms, drained
16 oz (454 g) bag of frozen whole green beans, thawed
1.5 tsp of granular splenda
salt, to taste

How to prepare

In a large skillet, cook the bacon until it becomes crisp. Set it aside and reserve 2 tbsp of the drippings in the pan.
Sauté the onion in the drippings until it becomes tender.
Add the mushrooms and cook and stir them for 2 minutes over medium heat.
Stir in the beans, Splenda, and salt to taste. Be cautious with the amount of salt since the bacon will already add saltiness.
Cover the skillet and cook the mixture on low heat for 10 minutes, or until the beans are done, stirring occasionally.
Toss in the bacon.

Variations

Add some garlic or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Substitute fresh green beans for frozen for a different texture.
Use turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon for a healthier option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the bacon until it is crisp to add a nice crunch to the dish.

- Thaw the frozen green beans before cooking to ensure they cook evenly.

- Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences, adding more or less salt as needed.

- Stir the mixture occasionally while cooking to ensure all the flavors are evenly distributed.

Serving Suggestions

Green Beans with Bacon and Mushrooms pairs well with grilled chicken, steak, or pork chops. It can also be served alongside mashed potatoes or rice for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe uses sautéing and simmering techniques to cook the ingredients until they are tender and flavorful. Be sure to cook the bacon until it is crisp and the green beans until they are tender but still slightly crisp.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have bacon, you can use pancetta or ham as a substitute. You can also use fresh mushrooms instead of canned if preferred.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the bacon and vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Simply reheat and finish cooking before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Green Beans with Bacon and Mushrooms in a decorative serving dish garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a variety of main dishes, such as roasted chicken, grilled fish, or a hearty stew. It also goes well with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Green Beans with Bacon and Mushrooms contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Green Beans with Bacon and Mushrooms contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Green Beans with Bacon and Mushrooms contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Green Beans with Bacon and Mushrooms contains approximately 6 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Green beans are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as potassium and manganese. Mushrooms are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins and selenium.

Alergens

This recipe contains bacon, which may be a potential allergen for some individuals. Be sure to check for any allergies before serving.

Summary

Green Beans with Bacon and Mushrooms is a nutritious dish that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein. It is a balanced side dish that is both delicious and satisfying.

Summary

Green Beans with Bacon and Mushrooms is a delicious and nutritious side dish that is easy to prepare and full of flavor. With a perfect balance of savory bacon, tender mushrooms, and crisp green beans, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy it as a side dish with your favorite main course for a satisfying and delicious meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Green Beans with Bacon and Mushrooms. It was a chilly autumn day, and I had just finished picking fresh green beans from the garden. As I stood in my kitchen, the smell of bacon sizzling on the stove filled the air, and I knew I was about to create something truly delicious.

The recipe itself came from an old cookbook that my mother gave me when I got married. It was passed down through generations, a collection of cherished recipes from our family and friends. Each page was filled with handwritten notes and stains from years of use, and I loved the feeling of history and tradition that it brought to my kitchen.

As I read through the ingredients and instructions, memories flooded back to me of the times I had watched my own mother and grandmother prepare this dish. They would always start by frying up thick slices of bacon until they were crispy and golden brown, then sautéing onions and mushrooms in the rendered fat until they were tender and fragrant. Finally, they would add the green beans and a splash of chicken broth, letting everything simmer together until the beans were perfectly cooked and the flavors had melded together.

I followed the recipe exactly as it was written, taking care to cook each ingredient just right. The sound of the bacon sizzling in the pan brought a smile to my face, and the aroma of onions and mushrooms cooking together filled me with a sense of comfort and warmth. As the green beans simmered in the broth, I could already imagine how delicious they would taste, tender and flavorful with just the right amount of smokiness from the bacon.

When the dish was finally ready, I couldn't wait to taste it. I spooned a generous helping onto my plate and took a bite, savoring the rich flavors and textures that melded together perfectly. The green beans were tender yet still had a bit of bite to them, the bacon added a salty crunch, and the mushrooms added a savory depth that tied everything together.

I knew that this recipe would become a favorite in my household, something that I would make again and again for special occasions and family gatherings. And indeed, over the years, it became a staple on our dinner table, a dish that my children and grandchildren would request whenever they came to visit.

As I look back on that day when I first discovered the recipe for Green Beans with Bacon and Mushrooms, I am filled with gratitude for the traditions and memories that it has brought into my life. It is a reminder of the love and care that went into each meal that my family shared together, a symbol of the joy and connection that food can bring to our lives.

And so, as I continue to cook and create in my kitchen, I am grateful for the lessons and inspiration that I have received from my mother and grandmother, who passed down their knowledge and recipes to me with love and generosity. I am proud to carry on their legacy and share the joy of good food with my own family, creating new memories and traditions that will last for generations to come.