Braised String Beans With Bacon

One of good friend, introduced me to the wonderful world of braised greasy beans. True greasy bean pods have thick strings and large beans inside that require slow cooking for about an hour to soften properly. However, since greasy beans are not easily found where I live, I use regular string beans for this recipe, capturing plenty of that slow-cooked beany flavor.

If you encounter anyone insisting that green beans must be perfectly al dente and snappy to be worth eating, just serve them a helping of these braised string beans, and they’ll change their minds instantly.

SERVES 4 TO 6

INGREDIENTS:

• 8 ounces slab bacon, cut into 1-by-½-inch-thick lardons
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 3 medium cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ½ cup homemade or low-sodium canned chicken stock
• 1½ pounds string beans, ends trimmed
• ¼ cup cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a large saucepan, combine the bacon and vegetable oil. Add ½ cup water and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Cook until the water is evaporated, and the bacon becomes crisp and well rendered, which takes about 10 minutes.
2. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes to the pan, and cook, stirring, until the garlic becomes fragrant, approximately 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Then add the string beans, 2 tablespoons of vinegar, and sugar. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and cook the beans, stirring occasionally, until they are completely soft and cooked through, which typically takes about 1 hour. Add water if necessary to prevent the pan from drying out and the beans from sizzling.
3. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of vinegar, season the beans to taste with salt and pepper, and serve.

SERVING OPTIONS:

Braised String Beans with Bacon can be served in various delicious ways, making it a versatile and satisfying dish to enjoy. Here are some serving options to consider:

• As a Side Dish: Serve the braised string beans alongside your favorite main courses, such as roasted chicken, grilled steak, or pan-seared fish. The rich flavors of bacon and garlic complement a wide range of proteins.
• With Rice or Pasta: Pair the tender braised beans with cooked rice or pasta for a hearty and wholesome meal. The beans’ savory taste will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Over Mashed Potatoes: Spoon the braised string beans and bacon lardons over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting and indulgent combination.
• In a Salad: Chill the braised beans and toss them with fresh salad greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette dressing for a refreshing summer salad.
• With Cornbread: Serve the beans with a side of warm and buttery cornbread for a classic Southern-style meal.
• In Tacos or Wraps: Use the braised string beans as a delicious filling for soft tacos or wraps, along with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, lettuce, and sour cream.
• With Grilled Vegetables: Combine the braised beans with other grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant for a colorful and nutritious medley.
• As a Vegetarian Main: For a meatless option, serve the braised string beans as the main dish, perhaps with a side of quinoa or couscous for a well-rounded meal.
• In a Casserole: Layer the beans with other ingredients like diced potatoes, cheese, and breadcrumbs to create a scrumptious casserole that can be baked until golden brown and bubbly.
• At a Picnic or Potluck: Bring the braised string beans to a picnic or potluck gathering as a crowd-pleasing side dish that’s easy to transport and serve.

These serving options highlight the delicious flavors of the braised string beans with bacon and allow you to enjoy this comforting and hearty dish in various ways. Feel free to get creative and adapt the recipe to suit your preferences and occasions.

NOTE:

• Slab bacon is best for this recipe, but sliced bacon works as well. Simply cut the bacon crosswise into ½-inch-wide strips.

Enjoy these tender and flavorful braised string beans as a delightful side dish or even a main course. The combination of bacon, garlic, and vinegar adds a unique and savory taste to this classic Southern-inspired recipe.