Savory Green Beans with a Sweet and Sour Twist
Description:
A cherished recipe passed down through generations, this delightful dish originated in a high school German class dinner preparation, where I was tasked with creating the perfect green beans. Their unique combination of sweet and sour flavors has made them a family favorite ever since. This Savory Green Beans recipe is not just a side dish; it is an experience that brings warmth and nostalgia to any table.
Recipe Category: Vegetable
Keywords: Low Protein, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Savory, < 60 Mins
Cooking Information
| Cook Time | Prep Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 minutes | 10 minutes | 35 minutes | 6 |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Calories | Fat Content (g) | Saturated Fat Content (g) | Cholesterol Content (mg) | Sodium Content (mg) | Carbohydrate Content (g) | Fiber Content (g) | Sugar Content (g) | Protein Content (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 160.5 | 9.8 | 4.4 | 17.9 | 900.4 | 13.1 | 5.2 | 3.2 | 6.7 |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | Fresh green beans |
| 3 | Bacon |
| 2 | Tablespoons of butter |
| 3 | Cups of chicken broth |
| 1 | Tablespoon of flour |
| 1 | Tablespoon of sugar |
| 1 | Teaspoon of salt |
| 2 | Tablespoons of vinegar |
| 1 | Tablespoon of chopped parsley |
Instructions
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Preparation of Green Beans: Begin by trimming the ends of the fresh green beans and thoroughly washing them under cool running water to remove any dirt or impurities. Once cleaned, set them aside to allow any excess water to drain.
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Cooking the Bacon: In a large saucepan, place the bacon strips and cook them over medium heat until they become crisp and golden brown. This process will render the fat from the bacon, which will infuse the green beans with a rich, savory flavor. Once cooked, carefully remove the bacon from the pan, allowing it to cool slightly, and then crumble it into small pieces.
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Combining Ingredients: Using the same pan, add the butter and allow it to melt over low heat. Next, pour in the chicken broth and introduce the prepared green beans to the mixture. Stir to ensure the beans are well-coated with the butter and broth. Cover the saucepan and let the beans cook for approximately 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the green beans; they should be tender but not overly mushy.
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Flavoring the Beans: After the beans have cooked for about 20 minutes, incorporate the crumbled bacon, salt, vinegar, and sugar into the pan. The vinegar adds a delightful tanginess, while the sugar balances it with a hint of sweetness. Stir the mixture gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
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Thickening the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the beans and give everything a good stir to combine. The flour will help to thicken the sauce slightly, creating a luscious coating for the beans. Continue cooking uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the beans to become tender. Note that these beans are meant to be fully cooked and tender, rather than “crisp-tender.”
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Finishing Touches: Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped parsley over the green beans for a burst of color and fresh flavor. This final touch not only enhances the presentation but also adds a delightful herbal note.
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Serving: Serve the Savory Green Beans warm as a side dish to complement your favorite main courses. Their sweet and sour flavor profile pairs beautifully with roasted meats, grilled fish, or even alongside hearty vegetarian dishes. Enjoy a dish that not only tastes fantastic but also brings back fond memories of home cooking.
This recipe is sure to become a staple in your household, just as it has been in mine. Enjoy the flavors, and share the warmth of these Savory Green Beans with your loved ones!
