Southern-Style Green Beans
Ingredients
4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped into bite-sized pieces
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
2 pounds fresh green beans, ends trimmed and cut in half
2 cups chicken broth (preferably low-sodium for better control over saltiness)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Cook the Bacon
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it becomes crisp, about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally for even cooking. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Do not clean the pot—leave the rendered fat for added flavor.
Sauté the Aromatics
Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for about 4 minutes, stirring often until softened and translucent. Stir in the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Simmer the Green Beans
Add the trimmed green beans, chicken broth, and a pinch of kosher salt to the pot. Bring everything to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture simmer gently for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the green beans are deeply tender and infused with flavor. Check periodically and add a splash of broth if the liquid gets too low.
Finish with Butter and Bacon
Once the beans are fully cooked, stir in the butter and reserved bacon. Let the butter melt completely, then taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm as a classic Southern side dish—rich, smoky, and full of comforting flavor.