Are you looking for a delicious and easy side dish that will impress your family and friends? Look no further! This recipe for green beans with bacon is a classic for a reason: it's simple, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Forget bland, boiled green beans – this recipe elevates this humble vegetable to a whole new level of deliciousness. It's perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or any occasion where you want a quick and tasty side dish. This recipe is a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest – transforming simple ingredients into a truly delicious meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 4 slices bacon, diced
- 1 small shallot, minced (or 1/2 small onion, finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving about 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the skillet.
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Sauté Aromatics: Add the butter to the skillet with the bacon fat. Once melted, add the minced shallot (or onion) and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
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Cook the Green Beans: Add the trimmed green beans to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. You want them to retain a little bit of their bite.
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Add Broth and Season: Pour in the chicken (or vegetable) broth and bring to a simmer. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
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Combine and Serve: Reduce the heat to low, stir in the crispy bacon, and cook for another minute to allow the flavors to meld. Serve immediately as a delicious and healthy side dish.
Cooking Tips for the Best Green Beans:
- Don't overcook the green beans! They should be tender-crisp, not mushy. Start checking for doneness around 5 minutes.
- Use good quality bacon: The flavor of the bacon really makes a difference in this dish.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Add more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra spice, depending on your preference.
- Fresh green beans are best: While frozen green beans can be substituted, fresh green beans offer the best flavor and texture.
Variations:
- Add Toasted Almonds: For extra crunch and flavor, toss in a handful of toasted slivered almonds at the end.
- Lemon Zest: A little lemon zest adds a bright, refreshing note. Add it along with the garlic.
- Different Herbs: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. Add them along with the garlic.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients used. It's always best to use a nutrition calculator for precise values.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 10-15g
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 5-10g
This easy green beans recipe with bacon is a perfect example of a quick dinner idea that is both healthy and delicious. It's a simple yet flavorful dish that will quickly become a family favorite. Enjoy!