Jackson Beaumont is a Southern gentleman with a flair for home decor. Born in Charleston, South Carolina, Jackson has a keen eye for Southern style and elegance. He loves to share his tips and tricks for creating a warm and inviting home.
Ah, fresh green beans cooked the Southern way - now that's a true taste of the South! If you're looking to whip up a delicious and comforting dish of green beans that will transport you straight to Grandma's kitchen, you've come to the right place. I'm here to guide you through the process step by step, so let's get started!
To cook fresh green beans, Southern style, you'll need a few key ingredients:
- 2 pounds of fresh green beans
- 4 slices of bacon (optional, but highly recommended for that authentic Southern flavor)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Now, let's dive into the cooking process:
1. Start by washing your fresh green beans thoroughly under cold water. Trim the ends and remove any strings if necessary. You can leave them whole or snap them into bite-sized pieces, depending on your preference.
2. If you're using bacon, cook it in a large skillet over medium heat until it's crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the pan. If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can skip this step and use a tablespoon of olive oil instead.
3. Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté it in the bacon drippings (or olive oil) until it becomes translucent and slightly caramelized. This will add a depth of flavor to your green beans.
4. Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté it for about a minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
5. Now it's time to add the fresh green beans to the skillet. Stir them well to coat them in the onion and garlic mixture. If you prefer a softer texture, you can blanch the green beans in boiling water for a few minutes before adding them to the skillet. However, I find that cooking them directly in the skillet adds a nice crunch and preserves their vibrant color.
6. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, which will help to steam the green beans and infuse them with flavor. Bring the broth to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let the green beans cook for about 20-30 minutes, or until they reach your desired tenderness. Remember to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
7. While the green beans are simmering, crumble the cooked bacon (if using) into small pieces. This will be the perfect finishing touch to your Southern-style green beans.
8. Once the green beans are cooked to perfection, season them with salt and pepper to taste. Give them a gentle stir to incorporate the seasoning throughout.
9. Finally, sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top of the green beans for that irresistible smoky flavor. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can skip the bacon and garnish the green beans with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
And there you have it - a delicious dish of fresh green beans, cooked the Southern way! Serve them as a side dish alongside your favorite Southern classics like fried chicken, cornbread, or collard greens. These green beans are sure to be a hit at any gathering or family meal.
For more mouthwatering Southern recipes and home decor ideas, be sure to check out Grits N Grace. We're here to help you embrace the charm and warmth of Southern living. Happy cooking!
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