Country Green Beans

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Country green beans are a tasty side dish that brings comfort to any meal. You can make them with just a few simple ingredients like bacon, fresh green beans, and chicken broth. These beans cook low and slow for about an hour, letting all the flavors blend together.

The prep is quick and easy. You just need to trim the ends of the beans and cut them in half. Then you cook some bacon, add the beans, and let them simmer in broth until they’re nice and tender. The result is a flavorful veggie side that goes great with many main dishes.

Exact Ingredients List

You’ll need these simple ingredients to make delicious country green beans:

• 4 slices bacon, cut into small pieces
• 2 pounds fresh green beans, ends trimmed and snapped in half
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

The bacon adds a smoky flavor, while the chicken broth makes the beans tender and tasty. Salt and pepper provide just the right seasoning.

Make sure to trim the ends off your green beans and snap them in half before cooking. This helps them cook evenly and makes them easier to eat.

You can adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Start with these amounts and add more if needed after cooking.

Instructions

Start by rinsing your green beans in a colander. Dry them off with a clean dish towel.

Cut 4 bacon slices into small pieces. Cook the bacon in a large saucepan until crispy.

Add 2 pounds of trimmed and snapped green beans to the pan. Cook on medium heat for about 3 minutes, tossing to coat with bacon drippings. The beans should turn bright green.

Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth slowly. Add 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Reduce heat to low. Cover the pan, leaving the lid slightly cracked. Simmer for about 1 hour, stirring now and then. The beans should become tender.

Taste and add more seasoning if needed. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beans to a serving platter.

Drizzle a bit of the cooking liquid over the beans before serving. This adds extra flavor.

This recipe makes about 10 servings. The total time is about 1 hour and 10 minutes, with 10 minutes for prep and 1 hour for cooking.

Possible Substitutes List

Can’t find green beans? No worries! You’ve got options. Here’s a list of tasty swaps:

• Asparagus: Snap off the woody ends and cut into bean-sized pieces.
• Snow peas: Trim the ends and use whole.
• Sugar snap peas: Remove strings if needed.
• Haricot verts: These thin French beans cook faster than regular ones.
• Broad beans: Shell them first for the best texture.

For a different twist, try these veggie alternatives:

• Broccoli florets: Cut into small, bite-sized pieces.
• Zucchini: Slice into strips or half-moons.
• Yellow squash: Prep just like zucchini.

If you’re in a pinch, canned green beans work too. Just drain and rinse them before adding to the pan. They’ll need less cooking time since they’re already soft.

Remember to adjust your cooking time based on the substitute you pick. Harder veggies might need more time, while softer ones cook quicker. Keep an eye on them and taste as you go!

How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly

To make this Country Green Beans recipe more diabetes-friendly, you can make a few simple changes. First, cut back on the bacon. Use just 2 slices instead of 4 to lower the fat and calorie content.

Next, swap the regular chicken broth for a low-sodium version. This helps reduce the salt without losing flavor. You can also skip adding extra salt to the recipe.

Try using fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to boost flavor without extra calories. Add them when you put in the chicken broth.

Consider adding some sliced onions or minced garlic when cooking the bacon. These add taste and nutrients without many carbs.

For portion control, measure out 1/2 cup servings. This helps you keep track of how much you’re eating.

Pair your green beans with lean proteins and other non-starchy veggies for a balanced meal. This combo can help keep blood sugar levels steady.

Remember to check your blood sugar before and after trying this recipe. Everyone responds differently to foods, so pay attention to how it affects you.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

For the best flavor, choose fresh green beans that are bright green and snap easily. Trim the ends just before cooking to keep them fresh longer.

You can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the beans as directed, then store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

To freeze, let the cooked beans cool completely. Place them in freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

For extra flavor, try adding a minced garlic clove or a diced onion when cooking the bacon. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

If you prefer crisp-tender beans, reduce the cooking time to about 30 minutes. Test them often to get the texture you like best.

To make this dish vegetarian, skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add a tablespoon of olive oil for richness.

Leftovers make a great addition to salads or can be chopped and added to soups or stews.

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