Bacon and Green Beans Side Dish

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

Bacon and Green Beans Side Dish

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.

Bacon and Green Beans Side Dish

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.

Conclusion

Bacon and Green Beans Side Dish

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