Southern-style green beans are a classic comfort food beloved across the South for their rich, smoky flavor and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. If you’re wondering how to cook fresh green beans southern style, you’re in for a treat. This method involves slow simmering fresh green beans with bacon, onions, and flavorful seasonings until they become tender and infused with savory goodness. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process and tips for making the perfect southern-style green beans.
Ingredients You’ll Need
– Fresh green beans (about 2 pounds), trimmed and cut in half or thirds
– Bacon (4 to 5 slices), chopped
– Onion (1 small or large, thinly sliced or chopped)
– Garlic (optional, 1-2 cloves sliced)
– Chicken broth (2 to 4 cups)
– Butter (1-2 tablespoons)
– Seasonings: kosher salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (optional), sugar (optional), soy sauce (optional)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prepare Your Green Beans
Start by rinsing your fresh green beans thoroughly under cool water. Trim off the ends and cut them into bite-sized pieces, about half or a third in length. This helps them cook evenly and makes them easier to eat.
2. Cook the Bacon
In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s crisp and has rendered its fat. This usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes. Once done, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon drippings in the pot.
3. Sauté the Onion (and Garlic)
Add the chopped or sliced onion to the pot with the bacon drippings. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the onion softens and becomes translucent-about 4 to 6 minutes. If you like, add sliced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little extra flavor and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add Green Beans and Broth
Add the trimmed green beans to the pot, stirring them in to coat with the bacon drippings and onions. Pour in enough chicken broth to mostly cover the green beans-about 2 cups to start, adding more if needed during cooking.
5. Season and Simmer
Season the beans with salt, black pepper, and if you like, a teaspoon of sugar and a splash of soy sauce for depth of flavor. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the beans simmer gently for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The goal is to cook the beans until they are very tender and infused with the smoky bacon flavor.
6. Finish with Butter and Bacon
Once the green beans are tender, stir in a couple of tablespoons of butter for richness. Add the reserved crispy bacon back into the pot and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Serve your southern-style green beans hot, spooning some of the flavorful cooking liquid over the top. They make a perfect side dish for fried chicken, pork chops, barbecue, or any hearty Southern meal.
Tips for Perfect Southern-Style Green Beans
– Low and slow is key: The long simmering time allows the beans to become tender and soak up all the smoky, savory flavors.
– Don’t skip the bacon: It’s the heart of the dish, providing both fat for cooking and a smoky flavor that defines southern green beans.
– Adjust broth as needed: Keep an eye on the liquid level and add more broth or water if it gets too low during cooking.
– Optional extras: Some recipes add a little sugar to balance flavors, or soy sauce for umami depth. Red pepper flakes add a subtle heat.
– Use fresh green beans: Fresh beans yield the best texture and flavor, but you can substitute frozen or canned in a pinch using quicker cooking methods.
Serving Suggestions
Southern-style green beans are versatile and pair beautifully with many Southern classics:
– Fried chicken or chicken fried steak
– Barbecue ribs or pulled pork
– Roasted or fried pork chops
– Cornbread, biscuits, or mashed potatoes
– Macaroni and cheese or creamy grits
They add a comforting, flavorful vegetable side that rounds out any meal beautifully.
Southern-style green beans are a soulful, satisfying dish that brings the taste of Southern hospitality right to your table. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a little patience, you can create a side dish that’s tender, flavorful, and utterly delicious. Enjoy the rich, smoky goodness of fresh green beans cooked the Southern way!