Aunt Martha’s Country Green Beans
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Category: Vegetable
Keywords: Low Protein, < 4 Hours
Cuisine: American
Description:
This delightful recipe for Aunt Martha’s Country Green Beans brings you the heartwarming flavors of classic Southern comfort food. With tender green beans simmered in chicken broth and enriched with crispy bacon, this dish is the perfect side to any hearty meal. The slow-cooked green beans absorb all the savory goodness from the bacon and seasonings, creating a dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying. Easy to prepare, this recipe requires just a few simple ingredients but delivers robust, comforting taste that will remind you of home. It’s the ideal dish for family gatherings, holiday dinners, or a cozy weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh green beans | 5 cups |
| Chicken broth | 2 cups |
| Bacon | 4 slices |
| Bacon grease | 2 tbsp |
| Crushed red pepper flakes | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Water | As needed |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 112.1 kcal |
| Fat | 8.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 10.8 mg |
| Sodium | 1166.3 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 5.3 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.4 g |
| Sugars | 1.2 g |
| Protein | 3.8 g |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Begin by washing the fresh green beans thoroughly and cutting off any ends as needed. Set them aside.
- Slice the bacon into small pieces, ensuring they will crisp up nicely while cooking.
-
Sauté the Bacon:
- In a large pan or Dutch oven, heat the bacon grease over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes crisp and golden brown.
- Once the bacon is crispy, remove it from the pan and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
-
Cook the Green Beans:
- Add the washed and prepared green beans to the pan with the bacon grease. Stir them well to coat the beans in the flavorful fat.
- Pour in the chicken broth and water, ensuring the beans are mostly submerged. Add salt and crushed red pepper flakes to season the beans, adjusting the seasoning according to your taste preference.
-
Simmer to Perfection:
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and simmer the beans gently for about two and a half hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Check the beans occasionally, adding more water if necessary to maintain the liquid level and prevent burning.
-
Final Check:
- After about two and a half hours, check the beans to ensure they are very tender. The beans should be soft and easily pierced with a fork.
- Taste the broth and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt or crushed red pepper for extra flavor.
-
Serve:
- Once the beans are tender and the broth has thickened slightly, remove the pan from the heat.
- Serve the Aunt Martha’s Country Green Beans hot, garnished with the crispy bacon pieces.
This recipe for Aunt Martha’s Country Green Beans is an easy-to-follow, comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. The bacon grease and chicken broth bring a rich, savory depth to the beans, while the crushed red pepper adds just the right amount of heat. Whether served alongside roasted meats or grilled dishes, these green beans will quickly become a family favorite. Enjoy!
