Smothered Green Beans and Potatoes: A Hearty Comfort Food
Smothered Green Beans and Potatoes is a classic Southern dish that's as comforting as it is delicious. This one-pot wonder is perfect for busy weeknights, as it requires minimal prep and offers maximum flavor. It's a budget-friendly meal that's packed with nutrients, making it a satisfying choice for the whole family.
This recipe combines the tender sweetness of green beans with the hearty satisfaction of potatoes, all simmered together in a rich and flavorful broth. With a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dish that's both comforting and impressive.
Ingredients
- 4 slices thick-cut hickory-smoked bacon, chopped (or smoked sausage for a smokier flavor)
- ½ cup sliced yellow onion
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1½ pounds fresh green beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to your taste)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 medium red potatoes, quartered
- 1 (28-ounce) can of diced tomatoes, undrained (optional, for added richness)
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, reserving the drippings in the pot.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add the onion and garlic to the bacon drippings and cook over medium heat until softened, about 2 minutes.
- Create the base: Stir in the beef broth, green beans, hot sauce, salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, or until the green beans are tender.
- Add the potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the pot and continue to simmer, uncovered, for about 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and cooked through.
- Optional: Add tomatoes: If desired, stir in the undrained canned tomatoes for added richness and depth of flavor. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot, garnished with additional black pepper if desired.
Tips
- For a vegetarian or vegan version, replace the bacon with smoked paprika or a vegan bacon substitute.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of beans, such as lima beans or butter beans.
- For extra flavor, add a bay leaf to the pot during the simmering process. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated for a quick and easy meal.
- Serve with crusty bread or cornbread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Comments
Post a Comment