Cooking Southern-Style Fresh Green Beans: A Flavorful Tradition

Green beans are a versatile and delicious ingredient when prepared with a touch of Southern charm. This classic recipe highlights the natural sweetness and crunch of fresh green beans with traditional seasonings and a hint of smokiness from bacon. Follow this simple guide to bring a taste of the South into your kitchen.

Ingredients:

1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed 4 slices of bacon or half a ham hock for a more traditional flavor 1 medium onion, chopped 2-3 cloves garlic, minced (optional) 2 cups chicken broth or enough to cover the beans Salt and pepper to taste Red pepper flakes (optional) for a bit of heat Fresh lemon juice (optional for serving)

Instructions:

Prepare the Green Beans: Rinse the fresh green beans under cold water and trim the ends. You can snap them or cut them with a knife. Cook the Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the pot. If using a ham hock, skip this step and add the ham directly to the pot. Sauté the Onion: In the same pot with the bacon drippings, add the chopped onion. Sauté until it becomes translucent, about 4-5 minutes. If you're using garlic, add it in the last minute of cooking. Add the Green Beans: Add the trimmed green beans to the pot and stir to coat them in the onion and bacon drippings. Add Liquids and Seasoning: Pour in the chicken broth until the beans are just covered. Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Crumble the cooked bacon and add it back to the pot. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 30-45 minutes or until the green beans are tender. Stir occasionally and add more broth or water if needed to keep the beans covered. Finish and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. You can squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the beans just before serving for added brightness.

Tips:

Cooking Time: The longer you simmer the beans, the more tender and flavorful they will become. Adjust the cooking time based on your preference. Variations: Add other ingredients like diced tomatoes or bell peppers for extra flavor.

Enjoy your delicious Southern-style green beans!