Southern-style Fresh Pole Beans

Southern-style Fresh Pole Beans Recipe - A Delicious American Dish

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 55 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Southern-style Fresh Pole Beans is a classic dish that highlights the delicious flavors of fresh pole beans cooked with salt pork. This recipe is a staple in Southern cuisine and is perfect for a comforting and hearty meal.

History

This recipe has been passed down through generations in Southern families, with each cook adding their own twist to make it their own. The combination of fresh pole beans and salt pork creates a rich and savory dish that is sure to satisfy any appetite.

Ingredients

0.5 lb (227 g) of salt pork
1 lb (454 g) of pole beans
0.5 tsp of salt
fresh onion rings

How to prepare

Score the salt pork by making a crosswise cut through the center down to the rind.
Cut the salt pork into 3 or 4 crosswise slashes.
Place the salt pork in a kettle with 0.5 inch of boiling water.
Cover the kettle and cook for 35 minutes or until the pork is tender.
Remove the tips from the pole beans and cut them into 1 inch pieces.
Add the beans and salt to the pork mixture.
Cover the kettle and cook for 20 minutes or until the beans are just tender.
Garnish with onion rings and serve.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes for a fresh and tangy twist.
Substitute bacon for the salt pork for a smokier flavor.
Add garlic and red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to score the salt pork before cooking to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

- Cutting the salt pork into slashes helps to release the fat and flavor into the beans.

- Cooking the beans with the salt pork infuses them with a rich and savory taste that is truly delicious.

Serving Suggestions

Southern-style Fresh Pole Beans can be served as a side dish with fried chicken, cornbread, and collard greens for a traditional Southern meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the salt pork before adding the beans helps to tenderize the meat and infuse the beans with flavor.

- Covering the kettle while cooking the beans helps to retain moisture and cook them evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use bacon or ham hock instead of salt pork for a different flavor profile.

- Green beans can be used instead of pole beans if they are not available.

Make Ahead Tips

Southern-style Fresh Pole Beans can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Southern-style Fresh Pole Beans with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Southern-style Fresh Pole Beans with cornbread, fried chicken, and sweet tea for a classic Southern meal.

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 Southern-style Fresh Pole Beans contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Southern-style Fresh Pole Beans contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Southern-style Fresh Pole Beans contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Southern-style Fresh Pole Beans contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Southern-style Fresh Pole Beans are a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and Iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains pork.

Summary

Southern-style Fresh Pole Beans are a nutritious and delicious dish that is rich in proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy choice for any meal.

Summary

Southern-style Fresh Pole Beans are a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. With their rich flavors and hearty ingredients, they are sure to become a family favorite in no time.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Southern-style Fresh Pole Beans. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small town in the South. My mother had taken me to visit our neighbor, Mrs. Jenkins, who was known for her delicious home-cooked meals. As soon as we walked into her kitchen, I was hit with the mouth-watering aroma of beans simmering on the stove.

Mrs. Jenkins was busy stirring a pot of fresh pole beans, and I couldn't take my eyes off the mesmerizing sight. The beans were a vibrant green color, flecked with bits of bacon and onion. The steam rising from the pot carried with it the rich, savory scent of Southern cooking.

I watched Mrs. Jenkins work her magic in the kitchen, adding a pinch of this and a dash of that to the pot. She explained to my mother and me that the key to making delicious Southern-style fresh pole beans was to keep things simple. "Let the natural flavors of the ingredients shine through," she said with a smile.

As I sat at Mrs. Jenkins' kitchen table, eagerly awaiting a taste of the beans, she regaled us with tales of how she had learned to cook. She spoke of her own grandmother, who had passed down recipes through the generations. Mrs. Jenkins had honed her skills in the kitchen by watching and learning from the women in her family, each one adding their own touch to the dishes they prepared.

I was captivated by Mrs. Jenkins' stories and by the way she effortlessly wielded a wooden spoon in the kitchen. I knew then and there that I wanted to learn the art of Southern cooking from her.

Over the weeks and months that followed, I spent many hours in Mrs. Jenkins' kitchen, soaking up her wisdom like a sponge. She taught me how to select the freshest beans from the market, how to properly season them, and how to cook them just right so they were tender but still had a bit of bite.

I learned that the key to making Southern-style fresh pole beans was to start with high-quality ingredients. Mrs. Jenkins stressed the importance of using fresh, seasonal beans, ripe tomatoes, and thick-cut bacon. She also showed me how to infuse the beans with flavor by adding a few simple ingredients like garlic, onion, and a splash of vinegar.

As I practiced making the recipe for Southern-style fresh pole beans under Mrs. Jenkins' watchful eye, I began to feel more confident in the kitchen. I learned how to trust my instincts and adjust seasonings to taste. I discovered the joy of cooking for others and sharing a meal with loved ones.

Years passed, and I eventually moved away from my small town in the South. But the memories of Mrs. Jenkins and her kitchen lingered with me. Whenever I made a pot of Southern-style fresh pole beans, I felt like she was right there beside me, guiding my hand and whispering words of encouragement.

Now, as a grandmother myself, I take great pleasure in passing on the recipe for Southern-style fresh pole beans to the next generation. I share with my grandchildren the story of how I first learned to make this dish and the love and care that went into each and every batch.

As I watch my grandchildren help me snap the beans, chop the bacon, and stir the pot, I see the same sense of wonder in their eyes that I felt all those years ago. And I know that the tradition of Southern cooking will live on, carried forth by each new generation who learns the art of making fresh pole beans with love and dedication.