Tender Green Beans with Pancetta
Spring is just around the corner, and as youโre eagerly awaiting the harvest from your garden, this delightful recipe for Tender Green Beans with Pancetta is a perfect way to make the most of your fresh green beans once they start coming in. This quick and easy dish combines crisp-tender green beans with the rich, savory flavors of pancetta, garlic, and a hint of spice, creating a vegetable side thatโs as delicious as it is simple.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Category: Vegetable
Keywords: < 30 Mins, Easy
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1/4 pound pancetta, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
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Prepare the Green Beans: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once the water is boiling vigorously, carefully add the green beans. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, just until they reach a crisp-tender texture. You want them to be bright green and still slightly firm to the bite.
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Drain and Dry: After cooking, drain the beans in a colander and gently pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps to remove excess moisture, ensuring they will crisp up nicely when added to the skillet.
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Cook the Pancetta: In a large skillet, heat the pan over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and cook, stirring frequently, until it becomes slightly crispy and releases its rich flavor. This should take about 5 minutes.
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Add Garlic and Spice: Once the pancetta is crispy, add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Continue cooking for an additional minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
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Combine and Finish: Toss the dried green beans into the skillet with the pancetta, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and cook for a few more minutes, until the green beans are heated through and well-coated with the pancetta and spices.
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Season and Serve: Stir in the salt to taste. Give everything one final toss to ensure the salt is evenly distributed. Serve immediately, enjoying the combination of tender green beans with the savory, slightly spicy pancetta.
This dish is not only a wonderful way to use up fresh green beans but also a great accompaniment to a variety of main courses. The rich flavor of pancetta and the heat from the red pepper flakes make this a standout side dish thatโs sure to impress. Whether youโre serving it as part of a weeknight meal or at a special dinner, these tender green beans with pancetta are a delicious and easy addition to your recipe repertoire. ๐ฑ๐ฝ๏ธ
