Butter Beans With Bacon And Green Onion
Creamy butter beans combined with crispy bacon, fresh green onions, and parsley create a savory side dish perfect for casual dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook butter beans according to package directions and set aside.
- Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crisp.
- Remove bacon, reserving drippings in skillet, then crumble bacon and set aside.
- Cook green onions and garlic in bacon drippings, stirring often.
- Stir in beans, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Cook just until heated through.
- Sprinkle with crumbled bacon before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider using smoked bacon in place of regular bacon. Fresh butter beans can also be used if available, but will require longer cooking times. To add a hint of heat, toss in some red pepper flakes while cooking the green onions and garlic. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the bacon with smoked tempeh or mushrooms for a savory depth.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with cornbread or a light salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside grilled meats or as a side to classic American recipes like Barbecue Ribs. It's also delicious with a splash of hot sauce for those who enjoy a bit of spice.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can microwave it in 30-second intervals until heated through. Avoid reheating more than once for the best quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Butter Beans With Bacon And Green Onion contains roughly 129 calories, with 14g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (142% of the Daily Value), iron (93% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2030mg per serving (88% 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 canned butter beans instead of frozen?
Yes, canned butter beans can be used in this recipe. Just drain and rinse them before adding to the skillet. Since they're already cooked, reduce the cooking time after adding them to just heat through, about 3-5 minutes, to prevent them from becoming mushy.
What can I substitute for parsley?
If you don't have fresh parsley, you can substitute it with fresh cilantro for a different flavor profile. Alternatively, dried parsley can be used, but use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Basil or chives also make excellent substitutes.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and replace it with a vegetarian bacon alternative or sautéed mushrooms for added umami. You can also enhance the flavor with smoked paprika to mimic the smokiness that bacon provides, keeping the dish delicious and satisfying.
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).