DINNER

Smothered green beans

Smothered green beans

Smothered green beans are a delicious Southern-style side dish that combines tender green beans with a flavorful sauce typically made with bacon, onions, and seasonings. Here’s a basic recipe for smothered green beans:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound fresh green beans, washed and trimmed
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance flavors)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Blanch the Green Beans: Start by blanching the green beans. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Add the green beans and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until they are bright green and slightly tender. Drain them and immediately plunge them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.
  2. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet or frying pan, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Remove the cooked bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave the bacon grease in the pan.
  3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.

  1. Make the Roux: Push the onions and garlic to one side of the skillet. In the empty space, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, sprinkle the flour over it and whisk continuously to form a roux. Cook the roux for about 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden brown color.
  2. Add the Broth and Seasonings: Gradually pour in the chicken or vegetable broth while whisking to incorporate the roux into the liquid. Add the salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), paprika, and sugar. Stir to combine.
  3. Simmer the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens and becomes smooth. If it gets too thick, you can add a bit more broth to reach your desired consistency.
  4. Combine Green Beans and Sauce: Add the blanched green beans to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to coat the green beans evenly with the sauce.
  5. Finish and Serve: Return the crispy bacon to the skillet and stir it into the green beans. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Serve the smothered green beans hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Enjoy your delicious smothered green beans as a tasty side dish to complement your meal!

 

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