Southern Restaurant Style Country Green Beans 🍽️🌱

These Southern-style country green beans are a classic side dish that captures the essence of comfort food in every bite. Slow-cooked and seasoned with savory ham, garlic, and a hint of sweetness, these green beans are perfect for Sunday dinners or any family gathering. Pair them with cornbread or over creamy mashed potatoes for an unforgettable meal! 🌽🥔

Ingredients

For the green beans

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
• 4 slices of bacon or ham hock (for that rich, smoky flavor)
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

For garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for a pop of color)
• Lemon wedges (to brighten the dish)

Instructions

1. Cook the bacon or ham: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. If using a ham hock, simply add it to the pot. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.

2. Sauté the aromatics: Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

3. Add the green beans: Toss in the trimmed green beans and stir to coat them in the flavorful drippings. Cook for about 2-3 minutes.

4. Create the broth: Pour in the chicken broth, add the brown sugar, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer.

5. Slow cook: Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the green beans simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer they cook, the more flavorful they become!

6. Finish up: If you used bacon, crumble it and toss it back into the pot about 10 minutes before serving. Adjust seasoning to taste and remove from heat.

7. Serve and garnish: Spoon the green beans into a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a zesty touch.

🍳 For a chunky version, feel free to add diced tomatoes or bell peppers during the sautéing step! It adds a nice flavor and texture.

Variations

• Vegan: Omit the bacon or ham and substitute with smoked paprika for that smoky flavor. Use vegetable broth for a delicious vegan option! 🌱
• Spicy: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a kick!
• Nutty: Toss in some toasted almonds or pecans just before serving for added crunch and flavor.
• High altitude: Increase the liquid in the pot slightly and cook for a longer duration to ensure the beans turn out tender.

Whether you're dishing up a plate at the family table or serving friends at a gathering, these Southern country green beans are bound to be the star of the show! Enjoy! 🥰🌟