Southern-style green beans are a classic dish that'll have you feelin' right at home. These tender veggies start with fresh green beans, which you'll trim and snap into bite-sized pieces. Then, you'll cook up some crispy bacon and let its savory fat infuse the beans. Next, you'll simmer the beans in broth with garlic, thyme, and other tasty seasonings until they're fork-tender. You can even toss in some potatoes for a heartier meal. Garnish with that crispy bacon, and you've got a comforting side that pairs perfectly with fried chicken, barbecue, and more. Want to learn even more about this beloved Southern staple? Well, look no further than the traditional Kentucky hot brown recipe, which is a delectable open-faced sandwich topped with turkey, bacon, and Mornay sauce. This iconic dish has been a favorite in the South for over a century and is a must-try for anyone looking to explore classic Southern cuisine. Whether you’re planning a family gathering or hosting a potluck, these green beans and a traditional Kentucky hot brown recipe are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Key Takeaways
- Southern-style green beans are a cherished part of the culinary heritage of the American South, reflecting the region's resilience, adaptation, and community.
- The dish is characterized by savory flavors, made with fresh green beans, onion, garlic, and smoked pork, simmered in broth to enhance tenderness and flavor.
- The cooking process involves trimming and snapping the green beans, adding crispy bacon for texture and flavor, and simmering with broth and seasonings until tender.
- Southern-style green beans are often accompanied by cornbread, creating a comforting dining experience that reflects the region's hospitality and cultural traditions.
- The dish is nutritious, providing an easy way to increase vegetable intake, and is a crowd-pleaser for family meals and gatherings, appealing to individuals of all ages.
History
Southern-style green beans have a rich history that stretches back generations.
These beloved veggies have been a staple in Southern kitchens for as long as anyone can remember. The story of green beans in the South began with Native American tribes, who cultivated and enjoyed these nutritious legumes long before European settlers arrived.
As the American colonies grew, green beans became a crucial crop, providing essential sustenance to families. During the Civil War, resourceful Southerners used green beans in all sorts of creative dishes to feed their communities.
Today, Southern-style green beans remain a cherished part of the region's culinary heritage. Whether simmered with ham, seasoned with bacon, or simply steamed to perfection, these green beans are a taste of Southern tradition.
From the earliest Native American farmers to modern-day home cooks, the history of Southern-style green beans is a story of resilience, adaptation, and the flavors that bring people together.
Recipe
Southern-Style Green Beans
Green beans are a classic side dish in Southern cuisine, often prepared with a savory, flavorful twist. This recipe for Southern-Style Green Beans captures the essence of the region, delivering a dish that's both comforting and delicious.
The key to this recipe is the slow simmering of the green beans in a broth infused with the aromatic essences of onion, garlic, and smoked pork. The result is a tender, flavor-packed vegetable that pairs perfectly with a variety of main dishes, from fried chicken to barbecue.
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon from the pot, reserving the drippings.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the trimmed green beans, chicken or vegetable broth, salt, and black pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the green beans are tender.
For the best results, be sure to use fresh, high-quality green beans. The longer simmering time allows the flavors to meld and the beans to become deliciously tender.
Serve the Southern-Style Green Beans as a side dish, garnished with the reserved crispy bacon pieces.
Cooking Steps
Start by trimming and snapping the fresh green beans.
For added richness, consider incorporating herb-infused butter variations that can elevate the flavors of your dish.
Toss in some smoky, sizzling bacon and let the flavors meld as you simmer the beans in broth and seasonings.
Don't forget to add in tender potatoes before serving this warm, homey dish with a side of cornbread.
Step 1. Trim and Snap Green Beans
First, trim the ends off the fresh green beans. Grab a handful of green beans and use a sharp knife to slice off the stem end and the tip end of each bean. Be careful not to waste too much of the bean – you want to remove just the very ends.
Now, it's time to snap the beans into bite-sized pieces. Hold each bean between your thumb and forefinger and gently bend and snap it in half. The beans should break cleanly, without any messy or ragged edges. Try to make the pieces about 1-2 inches long.
Repeat this process until all your green beans are snapped into appealing, uniform pieces.
As you're trimming and snapping, be sure to discard any beans that are wilted, bruised, or have blemishes. You want to use only the freshest, crispest green beans for your delicious Southern-style dish.
With the ends trimmed and the beans snapped, you're ready for the next step in the cooking process!
Step 2. Add Bacon
Next, add some smoky, salty bacon to your green beans. Chop up a few slices of bacon into bite-sized pieces. Toss the bacon into the skillet with your green beans.
As the bacon cooks, it will release its delicious, savory fat, which will coat and flavor the beans. The bacon's crispy texture will also provide a nice contrast to the tender green beans.
Let the bacon and green beans sizzle together until the bacon is crispy and the fat has been absorbed. The salty, smoky bacon will infuse your green beans with tons of flavor, making them even more irresistible.
You'll love how the bacon complements the natural sweetness of the green beans, creating a well-balanced and utterly satisfying dish. Get ready for your taste buds to be wowed!
Step 3. Simmer With Broth and Seasonings
After sautéing the bacon, you'll want to add some broth and seasonings to the skillet. This will help infuse the green beans with loads of savory, comforting flavor.
Start by pouring in a cup of flavorful chicken or veggie broth. The broth will gently simmer the green beans, making them tender and juicy.
Next, season the mixture with a bit of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme. These classic Southern spices will give your green beans that signature down-home taste.
Give everything a good stir to combine the flavors. Let the green beans simmer for about 15-20 minutes, until they're nice and tender. The broth will reduce slightly, creating a tasty glaze that coats the beans.
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You want the green beans to be perfectly seasoned, packed with that rich, simmered-all-day flavor.
Get ready for a side dish that'll have everyone coming back for seconds!
Step 4. Add Potatoes
Adding some potatoes to the dish takes the southern-style green beans to the next level. The starchy goodness of the potatoes complements the tender green beans perfectly.
Simply peel and cut a few medium-sized potatoes into 1-inch chunks. Carefully add them to the simmering pot with the green beans, broth, and seasonings. As the potatoes cook, they'll release their natural starches, thickening the broth and creating a heartier, more satisfying dish.
The potatoes will need about 15-20 minutes to become fork-tender. Be sure to stir the pot occasionally to prevent any sticking or burning. The potatoes should be tender but still hold their shape, blending seamlessly with the green beans.
This addition of potatoes transforms the side dish into a more substantial, one-pot meal. The blend of flavors and textures creates a comforting and delicious southern-style green bean dish that's sure to please the whole family.
Step 5. Serve Warm With Cornbread
Once the potatoes are tender and the green beans are cooked to your liking, it's time to serve this delightful southern-style dish. The warm, comforting aromas will fill your kitchen, making your mouth water in anticipation.
Grab a big spoon and start scooping the green beans and potatoes onto plates. Don't forget to ladle some of that delicious, savory broth over the top – it's the perfect accompaniment to the tender veggies.
Now, it's time for the star of the show: the cornbread. Slice it up and arrange the warm, golden-brown pieces alongside the green beans and potatoes. The cornbread's crumbly texture and slightly sweet flavor will complement the dish beautifully.
Invite your family and friends to gather around the table and enjoy this classic southern meal together. The combination of the flavorful green beans, tender potatoes, and comforting cornbread is sure to satisfy and delight everyone.
Savor each bite and let the flavors of the South transport you to a cozy, welcoming home.
Final Thoughts
In the end, these southern-style green beans make a fantastic side dish that will complement a wide variety of main courses.
Whether you're serving up a juicy roasted chicken, some tender pork chops, or even a classic meatloaf, these flavorful green beans will be the perfect accompaniment.
The simple, yet delicious, preparation makes them a breeze to whip up, and their vibrant color and texture will liven up any plate.
Plus, they're a great way to get in some extra veggies without sacrificing taste.
So, don't be afraid to give this recipe a try – your family and friends are sure to love it!
With their comforting, down-home flavor, these southern-style green beans are a true crowd-pleaser.
Enjoy them with some warm, freshly baked cornbread for a truly satisfying and wholesome meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Type of Green Beans to Use?
You'll want to use fresh, tender green beans for the best results.
Look for slim, crisp beans with a vibrant green color. They should snap easily when bent. Avoid any that are wilted, limp, or discolored.
Fresh, high-quality green beans will give your dish a delightful crunch and delicious flavor.
Don't be afraid to try different varieties – you might discover a new favorite!
With the right green beans, you'll create a delicious and satisfying dish.
Can I Substitute Canned Green Beans for Fresh Ones?
Sure, you can definitely use canned green beans instead of fresh ones!
While fresh green beans have a crisper texture and more vibrant flavor, canned beans can work just fine in a pinch.
Just be sure to drain and rinse them before using to remove any excess sodium.
The end result mightn't be quite as fresh-tasting, but it'll still be delicious.
Give it a try – you might be surprised how well the canned beans hold up!
How Long Do Cooked Green Beans Last in the Fridge?
Cooked green beans can last in the fridge for 3-5 days!
That's plenty of time to enjoy those tasty veggies. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container or sealed bag. This'll help them stay fresh and crisp.
When you're ready to chow down, simply reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop. Easy peasy!
Green beans are so versatile – you can eat them as a side, toss them in salads, or even snack on them straight from the fridge.
Can I Make Southern-Style Green Beans in an Instant Pot?
You sure can make southern-style green beans in an Instant Pot!
It's a super easy and convenient way to get that delicious, tender, and flavorful dish. The Instant Pot cooks the green beans quickly, infusing them with all the classic seasonings.
You'll have a tasty side dish ready in no time. Give it a try – you'll love how simple and scrumptious it is!
Do I Need to Soak the Green Beans Before Cooking?
Nope, you don't need to soak the green beans before cooking them in the Instant Pot!
That's the great thing about this handy appliance – it can quickly cook beans without any pre-soaking.
Just toss the fresh or frozen green beans right into the pot, add your favorite seasonings, and let the Instant Pot work its magic.
In no time, you'll have tender, flavorful green beans ready to enjoy.
No need for extra steps – the Instant Pot makes it easy!
Chloe is the go-to for classic Southern comfort food. From buttery biscuits to crispy fried chicken, Chloe knows how to whip up soul-warming meals that make you feel at home. She also loves hosting outdoor barbecues and picnics, bringing a touch of Southern hospitality to every dish.
