Bert And Ben'S Sweet And Sour Green Beans
A savory and tangy green bean dish with crispy bacon, sweet and sour flavors, perfect as a comforting side for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Open the cans of green beans and pour out the liquid from one can, reserving the liquid from the other can.
- Cook the bacon strips in a skillet until crispy, then remove and drain on paper towels.
- Chop the cooked bacon into small pieces.
- In the bacon fat, sauté the chopped onion until translucent.
- Sprinkle the flour over the cooked onions and stir well to combine.
- Add the reserved green bean liquid and vinegar, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in the sugar, salt, and pepper until dissolved.
- Add the green beans and bacon pieces to the sauce, heating through before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try using fresh green beans instead of canned for better texture. You can also substitute maple syrup for sugar if you prefer a different sweetness. Make sure to sauté the onions until they are perfectly translucent to enhance the flavor. If you want a bit of heat, consider adding a dash of red pepper flakes to the mix.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sweet and sour green beans as a delightful side dish to any meal. They pair beautifully with hearty proteins like smoked ham loaf or pork recipes. Consider adding a fresh salad or some crusty bread to round out the meal. They also make a great addition to a potluck or family gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture. You can also microwave them in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bert And Ben'S Sweet And Sour Green Beans contains roughly 117 calories, with 4g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1345mg per serving (58% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh green beans will provide a more vibrant flavor and crisp texture. Just blanch them briefly before adding to the sauce to ensure they are tender but still maintain some crunch.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and use olive oil to sauté the onions. You can add smoked paprika for a hint of smoky flavor that mimics the taste of bacon.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the green beans in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them just before serving to keep the beans crisp and fresh.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).