Description
Southern Green Beans is a flavorful and comforting side dish combining fresh green beans with smoky turkey bacon, fresh herbs, and simple seasonings. This easy-to-make recipe offers a warm, hearty taste perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into pieces
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Proteins and Oils
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Liquids and Seasonings
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Beans: Rinse the green beans thoroughly and trim the stem ends. Cut them into manageable pieces to ensure even cooking and easier serving.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the smoked turkey bacon until browned and slightly crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the flavorful rendered oil in the skillet.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onions to the skillet with the bacon oil. Cook until softened but not browned. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, creating an aromatic base.
- Add the Green Beans: Add the prepared green beans to the skillet and stir to coat them in the onion and garlic mixture. This infuses the beans with rich flavor before simmering.
- Simmer with Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the vegetable broth and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Season with salt and black pepper. Cover the skillet and let the beans simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes until tender.
- Finish with Herbs and Bacon: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley, thyme leaves, and crispy smoked turkey bacon pieces. Allow everything to meld together briefly over low heat before serving warm.
Notes
- Use firm, bright green beans for the best texture and flavor.
- Avoid overcooking to keep the beans tender-crisp and prevent mushiness.
- Cook bacon first and use its oil to sauté onions and garlic to layer flavors.
- Taste periodically and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve vibrant color and aroma.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 130 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 12 mg
Keywords: Southern Green Beans, green beans recipe, turkey bacon green beans, easy side dish, Southern side dishes
