Green beans southern style represent a quintessential dish rooted in the heart of Southern cooking. This recipe showcases the simplicity and rich flavor that Southern comfort food is known for, combining fresh green beans with savory ingredients like bacon and garlic.
Ingredients
Scale:
1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
4 slices bacon, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, diced
1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
½ teaspoon salt (to taste)
¼ teaspoon pepper (to taste)
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon fresh herbs, chopped (such as thyme or parsley for garnish)
Instructions
Start by washing the fresh green beans thoroughly under cold water. Trim the ends and set aside, ensuring to remove any stringy parts for a better texture.
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to render the fat properly.
Once the bacon is cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the pan, leaving the drippings behind.
Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté in the bacon grease until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the minced garlic to the onions, stirring for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
Add the trimmed green beans to the skillet, tossing them to coat in the onion and garlic mixture.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the green beans are tender but still crisp.
After the green beans are cooked, stir in the reserved bacon, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Remove from heat, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve warm.
