Smothered Green Beans

Smothered Green Beans are a delicious and savory side dish that takes fresh green beans to the next level. Cooked in a rich, flavorful sauce made with bacon, onions, and seasonings, these green beans are tender, full of flavor, and perfect for any meal. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday feast, a family dinner, or a weeknight meal, Smothered Green Beans are sure to become a favorite side dish. This easy-to-make recipe is a great way to add flavor and texture to your meals while keeping things simple.

INGREDIENTS:

1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed

4 slices bacon, chopped

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)

1/4 cup water

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon sugar

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)

1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, if needed)

DIRECTIONS:

Prepare the green beans:

Blanch the green beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fresh green beans and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until they turn bright green and are slightly tender. Drain and set aside.

Cook the bacon:

Cook the bacon: In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pan.

Sauté the onions and garlic:

Sauté the onions: In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the diced onion and cook until softened and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant …