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.

Combine and cook:

Add the green beans: Add the blanched green beans to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the bacon, onions, and garlic.

Create the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the chicken broth, water, soy sauce, and sugar. Pour the mixture over the green beans. Add smoked paprika for an extra smoky flavor if desired.

Simmer the beans: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer the green beans for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together.

Finish the dish:

Season and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with the crispy bacon bits and serve hot.