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Southern Green Beans

This classic Southern side dish features fresh green beans slow-cooked with bacon, onion, and garlic for a rich, savory flavor. The beans become wonderfully tender, perfect for any meal.

75 minEasyServes 8180 cal/serving

AmericanSideStovetopStandardLow CarbGluten-FreeDairy-FreeNut-FreeLow-SodiumAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

  • 2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 8 bacon slices, diced
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook 8 diced bacon slices over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon slices with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving the rendered fat in the pot.

  2. 2

    Add 1 small diced yellow onion to the pot with the bacon fat and cook for 3-5 minutes until softened and translucent.

  3. 3

    Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.

  4. 4

    Add 2 lbs trimmed fresh green beans, 2 cups chicken broth, 2 cups water, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the pot. Bring to a simmer.

  5. 5

    Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until fresh green beans are very tender. Stir occasionally.

  6. 6

    Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with the reserved crispy bacon slices.

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Questions

How much time should I plan for Southern Green Beans?

As written, 75 minutes: 15 of prep and 60 of cooking. The longest single stretch is step 5 (1 hour): "Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until fresh green beans are very tender."

How do I know when Southern Green Beans is done?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 5: cook until fresh green beans are very tender.

Can I use turkey bacon instead of bacon in Southern Green Beans?

Yes. Turkey bacon renders almost no fat, so add a tablespoon of oil wherever the method counts on the drippings. As written, the entry for Southern Green Beans uses 8 bacon slices, diced.

Is Southern Green Beans gluten-free?

Yes. As written, nothing in the ingredient list for Southern Green Beans is wheat, barley or rye. Gluten hides in packaged goods, so read the label on the broth.

How long does Southern Green Beans keep?

Refrigerate what is left of Southern Green Beans within two hours and eat it within three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Serve it with

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