Description
Smothered Green Beans is a comforting and flavorful side dish made by sautéing fresh green beans with crispy bacon, onions, and garlic, then simmering them in chicken broth. Optional cream and seasonings add richness and depth, making this dish perfect to accompany any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed (or frozen green beans)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Meat
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
Liquids and Others
- 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional for a slight sweetness)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the skillet.
- Sauté the Onions and Garlic: If there isn’t enough bacon drippings, add a tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add the Green Beans: Add the fresh (or frozen) green beans to the skillet, and toss them with the onions and garlic. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, and stir in the sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the green beans are tender, stirring occasionally.
- Add Cream (Optional): For a richer, creamier dish, stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Finish the Dish: Once the green beans are tender and the sauce has thickened, stir in the crispy bacon. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes for heat.
- Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot!
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and omit the bacon or substitute with a plant-based bacon alternative.
- Heavy cream is optional; leaving it out will keep the dish lighter but less creamy.
- Adjust red pepper flakes quantity to your preferred spice level.
- Frozen green beans can be used when fresh are not available but adjust cooking time accordingly.
