Bacon, Butter Beans, and Tomatoes – a quintessential Southern dish that embodies the flavors of summer gardens and home-cooked comfort. This recipe, sourced from Southern Living, is a delightful blend of fresh ingredients, hearty beans, and savory bacon, creating a dish that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrition. With its low protein and low cholesterol attributes, it’s a healthy option perfect for weeknight dinners, taking just under 4 hours to prepare and cook.
Let’s delve into the details of this culinary masterpiece:
Ingredients:
- Bacon: 3 slices
- Onion: 1, finely chopped
- Green Pepper: 1, diced
- Garlic Cloves: 3, minced
- Bay Leaf: 1
- Tomatoes: 3, ripe and diced
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups
- Butter Beans: 4 cups, fresh or canned
- Butter: 2 tablespoons
- Fresh Parsley: 1 tablespoon, chopped
- Salt: to taste
- Pepper: to taste
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1/2 teaspoon
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 187.1
- Fat Content: 3.4g
- Saturated Fat Content: 1g
- Cholesterol Content: 2.7mg
- Sodium Content: 1360.1mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 28.4g
- Fiber Content: 7.4g
- Sugar Content: 3.3g
- Protein Content: 11.5g
Instructions:
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Cook Bacon: In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp. This step infuses the dish with rich, smoky flavor.
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Saute Vegetables: Stir in the chopped onion, diced green pepper, minced garlic cloves, and the bay leaf. Saute until the vegetables are tender, allowing their aromas to mingle and enhance the dish’s depth.
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Add Tomatoes: Incorporate the diced tomatoes into the pot and cook for an additional 3 minutes. Fresh tomatoes add a burst of freshness and acidity to balance the dish’s richness.
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Introduce Broth and Beans: Pour in the chicken broth and add the butter beans to the mixture. Bring it to a gentle boil, infusing the beans with flavor and ensuring they’re tender and creamy.
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Simmer: Cover the pot, reduce the heat, and let the mixture simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld together, creating a harmonious blend of tastes and textures.
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Final Simmer: Uncover the pot and continue simmering for an additional 20 minutes, stirring often. This helps thicken the sauce and intensifies the flavors.
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Season and Finish: Stir in the chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to fully develop. Discard the bay leaf before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
This dish is best served hot, alongside other fresh garden veggies and a side of warm cornbread. The combination of flavors and textures makes for a satisfying summer supper that’s both hearty and healthy.
Review:
With an aggregated rating of 5 stars based on 6 reviews, it’s clear that this recipe has won the hearts of many. Its simple yet flavorful combination of ingredients highlights the best of Southern cuisine, making it a standout dish for any occasion.
So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and indulge in the irresistible flavors of Bacon, Butter Beans, and Tomatoes. It’s a taste of the South that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
