Delicious Southern Green Beans & Potatoes Recipe
Imagine yourself sitting on the porch of a Southern plantation house, enjoying the warm breeze as you indulge in a plate of tender and buttery green beans mixed with perfectly cooked bite-size new potatoes. That is exactly the experience that this Southern Green Beans & Potatoes recipe will bring to your kitchen.
In this recipe, I have combined fresh green beans and new potatoes with savory chicken broth, garlic cloves, and diced onions to create a mouth-watering dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are hosting a family dinner or simply looking for a comforting weekday meal, this dish is sure to satisfy.
Southern cuisine is all about comfort food, and this recipe embodies that tradition. By adhering to the principles of classic Southern-style cooking and using the freshest ingredients possible, you too can enjoy every savory bite of this impressive dish. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Southern-style cuisine is known for its bold and rich flavors, and this southern green beans & potatoes recipe is no exception. Imagine tender green beans and new potatoes simmered in a savory chicken broth infused with garlic, onions, and bacon. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water!
But what makes this recipe truly special is the combination of fresh ingredients and classic southern seasonings. The fresh green beans add a crisp texture that balances perfectly with the creamy potatoes, making it an ideal side dish for any meal. Plus, the addition of bacon lends a smoky flavor that takes this dish to the next level.
Not only does this recipe taste amazing, but it’s also incredibly versatile. It can be served as a side dish or even as the main course for vegetarian meals. Best of all, it’s easy to modify based on dietary needs- simply swap out the butter for non-dairy vegan options to make it dairy-free!
Fall in love with the bold and mouth-watering flavors of southern-style cuisine with this delicious green beans & potatoes recipe.
Ingredient List
Here is a list of ingredients needed to make this savory Southern Green Beans & Potatoes recipe:
Fresh Green Beans
Fresh green beans are preferable for this recipe. Trim off the ends of the beans before cooking.
New Potatoes
New potatoes are small potatoes that are harvested early in the season. They have a thin skin and creamy texture, perfect for Southern-style dishes.
Chicken Broth
The broth adds moisture and flavor to the dish. To keep it vegetarian or vegan, use vegetable broth instead.
Garlic Cloves
Garlic adds robust flavor to the dish. Be sure to mince it finely so it cooks well
Yellow Onion
Diced yellow onion adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the recipe.
Butter
Adding butter gives the dish a rich creamy taste and a smooth finish.
Bacon
Thick-cut bacon is used to infuse smoky, savory flavors into the dish.
Non-Dairy Milk (Optional))
For those who prefer non-dairy options, substitute butter with its non-dairy equivalent and use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk in place of chicken broth.
Salt and Pepper
These staples are essential for seasoning the dish. Add them according to your taste preference.
Note: For those who love spice, feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a kick.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Before starting the cooking process, gather all your ingredients and get them ready for use. Rinse your green beans in cold water, and trim the ends by snapping off the stem end. For the new potatoes, clean each potato by scrubbing it with a vegetable brush under running water. Cut any large potatoes into uniform sizes so that they cook evenly.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add butter or bacon grease to the pan. Once melted, throw in chopped yellow onions and minced garlic cloves. Cook until the onions become translucent.
Step 3: Add Green Beans & Potatoes
Add your prepared green beans and potatoes to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Pour in enough chicken broth just to cover the vegetables. Make sure you have two parts broth to one part water.
Step 4: Reduce Heat and Simmer
Bring everything to a boil then reduce heat to low-medium heat setting. Allow the vegetables to cook slowly in the chicken broth mixture until tender. This will take about 20 minutes typically.
Step 5: Bacon Time
It’s time to add some extra flavoring – bacon! Fry up your thick cut bacon slices in another pan or oven until crispy, then chop them into small pieces using a food processor or knife of choice. Add it to your pot of cooked veggies, stirring it gently so that as much of the flavor mixes in as possible.
Step 6: Season With Salt and Pepper
After adding bacon, let everything sit together for a few more minutes before seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Remember not to add too much salt at first being that you already added bacon earlier on. Mix everything well so that your taste preferences blend into the flavor profile.
Step 7: Add a Dash of Butter
Add a few tablespoons of butter to your pot of cooked vegetables just before taking them off the burner. The butter will melt and meld with the flavors you’ve been creating, adding just a bit more richness to the overall taste profile.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Your southern-style green beans and potatoes recipe is now complete! It’s perfect as a side dish to complement any main you have on the menu. Serve it up hot, and be ready to get some rave reviews!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to this classic Southern recipe, there are several ways to make it your own while still maintaining its deliciousness. Here are some substitutions and variations that you can try:
1. Bacon: Instead of using traditional bacon, you can try using turkey bacon, pork belly, or pancetta.
2. Potatoes: Instead of using new potatoes or red potatoes, you can use other types of potatoes like russet potatoes, sweet potatoes, or even yams.
3. Green Beans: If fresh green beans aren’t available, canned or frozen green beans can be substituted.
4. Chicken Broth: For a vegetarian/vegan option, you can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
5. Butter: For non-dairy/Vegan option, you can substitute butter with non-dairy butter or coconut oil.
6. Protein addition: You can also add some protein if desired such as ham hock or turkey tails for a more soul food feel.
7. Pressure cooker/slow cooker version: This recipe can easily be adapted for pressure cookers (instant pot) or slow cookers by cooking on high heat for 4-6 hours until the beans and potatoes are tender.
By making these substitutions and variations, you’ll be able to put a unique spin on this classic Southern recipe that is sure to impress everyone who tries it!
Serving and Pairing
Southern Green Beans & Potatoes recipe is a perfect side dish that can be paired with many classic southern entrees. My personal favorite pairing is with chicken fried steak, but it can also be served with roast beef, grilled pork chops, or even BBQ meat. The fresh and tender green beans mixed with soft and buttery potatoes soak up the deliciously flavored broth from the chicken and bacon grease, making it an irresistible combination that works well with any protein-based main dish.
For an extra kick of Southern flavor, I suggest serving this dish with cornbread or biscuits on the side. The sweet and savory taste of cornbread or a warm buttery biscuit complements the rich broth and enhances the taste of the green beans and potatoes. Alternatively, you can serve it over rice for a heartier meal, which will absorb all of the flavorful juices.
Since this recipe contains various ingredients such as chicken broth, bacon grease, and butter, it might be too heavy to serve alongside other rich dishes such as macaroni and cheese or creamy casseroles. Therefore, I advise avoiding these types of heavy sides in favor of lighter ones such as coleslaw, roasted vegetables or a mixed leafy salad to balance out the plate.
In conclusion, Southern Green Beans & Potatoes recipe isn’t finicky about pairing but works perfectly alongside any classic southern dishes. Regardless of your choice of pairings, ensure to enjoy this delicious concoction as a satisfying meal that’s deeply rooted in southern-style cuisine.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One great thing about this Southern Green Beans and Potatoes recipe is that it can easily be made ahead of time. This makes it a perfect side dish if you are entertaining guests or if you just want to have it ready for a busy weeknight dinner.
To make this recipe ahead of time, prepare the dish as directed in the recipe how-to section. Once cooked, let it cool completely before transferring it to an air-tight container or freezer bag. Place it in the fridge or freezer depending on when you plan to serve it.
If you store it in the fridge, this dish will keep well for about 2-3 days. To reheat, simply spoon the desired amount into a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals until heated through.
If you plan to freeze this dish, it will last for up to 3 months. When reheating from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight first before microwaving or reheating it on the stovetop.
Just like with any leftover dishes, make sure that you store and reheat properly to preserve the flavors and texture of this dish. By doing so, you can enjoy these delicious Southern-style green beans and potatoes anytime without having to worry about losing its flavor and quality.
Tips for Perfect Results
Creating the perfect Southern Green Beans and Potatoes dish is all about ensuring the flavors are on point while also making sure the beans are crisp yet tender. Follow these tips for a successful recipe every time.
1. Choosing the Right Beans
For the perfect result, make sure to choose fresh green beans. Pick beans that are brightly colored, smooth and taut to touch; dull or wrinkly beans should be avoided. If you can’t find fresh beans, canned beans can work in this recipe.
2. The Perfect Cut
Aim for consistency when cutting the potatoes, and cut them into 1/2-inch chunks. The optimal size will ensure that they cook evenly, offering a blend of soft and crispy textures.
3. Slow Cooking Equals Perfect Cooking
Cooking Green Beans and Potatoes dish slowly for hours enriches both flavors, enabling them to blend perfectly. You’ll get a savory aroma filling your kitchen – this is your sign that your dish is coming out perfectly.
4. Add Seasonings Gradually
One of the mistakes often made when cooking Southern-style cuisine, like Green Beans and Potatoes, is overdoing seasonings. Add salt and pepper gradually; it’s always easier to add more flavor rather than to tone it down once you’ve seasoned too much.
5. Bring Broth to a Boil
When you add your chicken broth or vegetable broth, bring it to a boil first before reducing heat to a simmer. This helps in getting an even distribution of flavors throughout the dish.
6. Do Not Rush the Cooking Process
While it may be tempting to speed up things in the kitchen when in a hurry, cooking Green Beans and Potatoes quickly may compromise crucial condiments’ flavors as they don’t have enough time to meld together perfectly with vegetables.
By following these tips for southern-style cuisine, you’re guaranteed a perfect ‘Southern Green Beans and Potatoes’, reminiscent of hot summer days spent in the South.
FAQ
Before we conclude this article, I want to address some frequently asked questions. These are common queries that may arise while preparing ‘Southern Green Beans and Potatoes.’ Remember, don’t hesitate to ask questions or clarify doubts. Cooking is an art, and every artist has unique questions that need to be answered. So without any further ado, let’s dive into the FAQ section.
How to make green beans more flavorful?
Fresh green beans can be made irresistible with just some butter, minced garlic, and a dash of lemon-pepper seasoning.
How do I jazz up green beans?
For your next southern-style dish, I have put together a list of flavorful toppings that will elevate any meal. Firstly, try adding refreshing pomegranate seeds and crunchy pecans to your dish. Secondly, crispy bacon or lardons can add a delicious salty flavor. Thirdly, goat cheese crumbles and chopped herbs can bring a creamy texture to your dish. Fourthly, you can add depth by incorporating toasted almonds, herbs, and lemon zest. Another option is to use toasted pine nuts, cranberries, and herbs to bring both sweet and savory flavors to your dish. Additionally, sauteed shallots and garlic can add a fragrant aroma to your meal. For those who prefer vegan options, a non-dairy cheesy sprinkle or non-dairy cheese sauce can be used to add texture and flavor to any southern-style meal.
Bottom Line
In the end, the Southern Green Beans and Potatoes Recipe is a must-try for all southern cuisine enthusiasts. With its mouth-watering taste and easy preparation, it is sure to become a staple dish in your home kitchen. The dish not only has a rich cultural history behind it but also offers up a healthy and delicious meal option that can satisfy almost anyone.
Whether you are in the mood for some soul food or just looking for a simple and nutritious side dish, this recipe has got you covered. So why not give it a try today? It’s affordable, requires minimal effort, and can be easily customized to suit your individual taste. Don’t wait any longer – try this Southern Green Beans and Potatoes recipe today and add some flavor to your meals!
Southern Green Beans & Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter (or bacon fat from 4 strips of bacon)
- 1 medium yellow onion, halved & thinly sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth (or 1 chicken bouillon cube plus 1 c. water)
- 1 lb new potato, washed & quartered
- 1/2 teaspoon creole seasoning, such as tony chachere's
- 1/2 lb green beans (fresh or frozen & snipped if fresh)
Instructions
- In a saucepan that has a tight-fitting lid, melt butter or cook bacon on medium heat. Remove bacon when finished cooking (if you're are using it) and set it aside.
- Add sliced onion & minced garlic to butter or bacon fat. Saute until onions are clear. Be sure to stir often. If you are using bacon, scrape the bottom of the pan to get the bacon bits up and prevent burning.
- Add chicken broth & bring to a boil. Scrape the bottom of the pan again if you are using bacon to avoid a burnt flavor.
- Add quartered potatoes & creole seasoning. Place potatoes flesh side down & cover the pan with a lid. Cook for 15 minutes. Do not uncover pan during this time.
- Stir potatoes after 15 minutes. Add green beans to the top of the pan. Gently push them down between potatoes but do not immerse them in the liquid. Cover with lid again & cook for 10 more minutes. (Note: If you are using frozen green beans, it may take 5 extra minutes to cook because of the decrease in temperature.).
- Chop cooked bacon & add to the top of your vegetables (if using bacon) & serve.