Green Beans With Bacon

Green beans with bacon and onions make such an easy and delicious side dish. Fresh beans lend a crisp, bright flavor to any meal. They’re best when served hot, making them a perfect accompaniment to any main dish.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 lb green beans, rinsed and trimmed
• 2-3 sprigs savory, rinsed and patted dry
• 8 slices lean bacon
• 3 tablespoons butter or margarine

Directions

1. Prepare the Beans
   Start by rinsing the green beans under cold water to remove dirt. Then trim the ends of the beans using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors. This step ensures the beans are clean and ready for cooking.
2. Boil the Beans
   Fill a medium saucepan with water and add the salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Add the green beans and savory sprigs to the boiling water. Return the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let the beans simmer for about 20 minutes or until tender but still slightly crisp.
3. Drain and Season
   Once the beans are cooked, drain them in a colander and remove the savory sprigs. Allow the beans to sit in the colander for a few minutes to ensure all excess water is drained.
4. Prepare the Bacon
   While the beans are boiling, cook the bacon. Place the bacon slices in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until the bacon starts to crisp but is still pliable, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
5. Wrap the Beans
   Divide the drained beans into eight equal portions. Wrap each portion of beans with a slice of bacon, securing the bacon with a toothpick. This step gives each serving a neat presentation and makes it easy to handle.
6. Fry the Bean Bundles
   Melt the butter over medium heat in the same skillet used to cook the bacon. Add the bean bundles to the skillet once the butter is melted and bubbling. Fry the bundles on all sides for about 3 minutes or until the bacon is fully cooked and crispy.
7. Serve
   Remove the bean bundles from the skillet and transfer them to a serving platter. Serve the green beans with bacon hot and enjoy this savory side dish with your favorite main courses.

Additional Tips

• Onions: For added flavor, you can sauté some chopped onions in the butter before adding the bean bundles to the skillet. Cook the onions until they are golden and caramelized.
• Garlic: To add an extra layer of flavor, add minced garlic to the butter. Sauté the garlic until fragrant before adding the bean bundles.
• Seasoning: Sprinkle a bit of freshly ground black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes over the bean bundles for a subtle kick.
• Alternative Greens: This recipe works well with other greens such as asparagus or snap peas. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are tender.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the bean bundles ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to fry. This makes it easier to manage cooking time when preparing a large meal.

Enjoy these delicious Green Beans with Bacon as a delightful and savory addition to your meal. Their crisp texture and rich flavor enhance any dining experience!