Introduction
Sizzle up some Bacon and Green Beans for a side dish that’s bound to steal the spotlight! Perfectly smoky, crunchy, and packed with flavor, it’s your new go-to dish when you need a little something extra on the table. This delightful side is easy to prepare and brings a joyful twist to any meal.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
- 8 strips of bacon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Directions
1. Heat up a party in a large skillet by cooking the bacon over medium-high heat. Get it crispy, then set it aside. Make sure you leave about a tablespoon of bacon grease behind – it’s our flavor secret weapon!
2. Add olive oil to the skillet. Throw in your diced onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent. In goes the garlic for an aromatic twist – just a minute or two is all it needs!
3. Toss in those fresh green beans and give them a good stir, letting them mingle with the onion and garlic.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and season with a dash of salt and pepper. Bring everything to a simmer, cover, and let the beans steam for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Uncover the skillet, crank up the heat, and let any remaining liquid cook off. You’re aiming for tender yet crunchy beans.
6. Finally, lovingly fold in your crispy bacon and give it all one last stir to mix the magic!
Nutritional Information
Each delicious serving packs approximately:
Calories: 180 kcal
Protein: 6g
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 3g
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until it becomes crispy. Once cooked, set the bacon aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain, while leaving about a tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the bacon grease. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent. This should take around 4-5 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Green Beans
Toss the trimmed green beans into the skillet, mixing them well with the onions and garlic. Stir to combine and ensure the beans are coated with the flavors.
Step 4: Simmer with Chicken Broth
Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth and season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Bring everything to a simmer, then cover the skillet. Let the green beans steam for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Reduce Remaining Liquid
After steaming, uncover the skillet and increase the heat. Let any leftover liquid cook off. You’re looking for green beans that are tender yet still have a slight crunch.
Step 6: Mix in the Bacon
Finally, fold in the previously cooked crispy bacon into the green bean mixture. Stir everything together gently to combine all the flavors.
Notes
Serving Suggestion
This dish pairs exceptionally well with grilled meats or as a delightful addition to a holiday feast.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Customization
Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for additional flavor and nutrition. Adjust seasoning based on your preference.
Cook techniques
Cooking Bacon
Start by cooking the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it becomes crispy. The rendered fat from the bacon adds flavor to the dish.
Sautéing Onions and Garlic
Once the bacon is removed, use the remaining bacon grease along with olive oil to sauté diced onions until they are soft and translucent. Add minced garlic for aromatic depth.
Stir-Frying Green Beans
Add trimmed green beans to the skillet, mixing them well with the sautéed onions and garlic. This ensures the beans absorb the flavors.
Simmering
Pour in chicken broth, then season with salt and pepper. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer, allowing the green beans to steam until they are tender yet still have a slight crunch.
Finishing Touches
Uncover and increase the heat to cook off any remaining liquid. Finally, mix in the cooked bacon for a burst of flavor and texture.
FAQ
Can I use another type of oil instead of olive oil?
Yes, feel free to use any cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil.
What can I substitute for bacon?
For a vegetarian option, you can use smoked tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based bacon alternative.
How can I adjust the cooking time for frozen green beans?
If using frozen green beans, cook them for a few minutes longer than fresh beans to ensure they are heated through and tender.
Is there a way to add more flavor to the dish?
Absolutely! You can add spices like crushed red pepper flakes or herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the components in advance and assemble them right before serving. Reheat gently to maintain the texture of the beans.