Bri’s Southern-Style Green Beans
When it comes to the heartwarming dishes of the South, southern-style green beans (or soul food green beans) hold a special place it is my daughter Bri’s favorite. This recipe embraces the tradition of simmering fresh green beans with smoked meat, onions, and a balance of savory seasonings. It’s a dish that embodies true southern comfort food, perfect for family gatherings or any hearty meal.
Ingredients You Will Need
To prepare this delightful dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 3 lbs fresh green beans (washed, ends trimmed, and snapped in half), or use frozen green beans , or no salt canned.
- 1 smoked turkey wing, leg, or ham hock, or 8-12 slices of bacon
- 8 to 10 small white or red potatoes
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 stick of butter or 2 tablespoons
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or bacon drippings
- 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt (adjust to taste) or sea salt
- ½ teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon of Slap Ya Mama seasoning (optional for spicy version)
Cooking Instructions
Follow these straightforward steps to create a batch of unforgettable southern-style green beans:
- If using the fresh green beans start by snapping them. Snap into thirds or halves which ever you prefer.
- If using bacon cut them into 1- inch strips and fry in a pan until a little elasticity don’t cook until crispy. Set bacon dripping aside to add for flavor. Once bacon is done place on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb grease.
- Cut the potatoes in half and then quarter them. Goal is to size them so that they cook evenly.
- Heat a large pot on medium high with oil or bacon drippings and sauté the diced onion until soft. Add minced garlic and cook briefly to release its flavor.
- Return the heat to medium and add butter or if using bacon reintroduce the grease and onions.
- Add the potatoes, garlic, and onions be sure they are coated with the grease from butter (or bacon fat).
- Add all the seasoning ingredients
- Introduce the smoked turkey or ham hock into the pot, allowing it to warm before adding the green beans.
- Pour in the chicken broth (or use water but the broth adds more flavor), until it covers half the pots contents.
- Stir everything together make sure green beans are in liquid.
- Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. The goal is to achieve tender green beans infused with smoky goodness.
- After 1 hour test the potatoes for doneness. Use a fork to be sure they are tender.
- Once cooked, shred the meat from the bone and stir it back into the pot along with butter for a luxurious finish. Adjust seasoning to taste before serving. (Optional)
Pair these flavorful green beans with cornbread, yams, or fried chicken, and enjoy incredible southern hospitality!
