Country Style Green Beans
Country Style Green Beans is a hearty Southern dish featuring tender green beans, salted fat meat, squash, and potatoes, perfect for comforting family meals and traditional gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the salted fat meat for 1 hour to render flavor.
- Add washed and broken green beans to the pot and cook until tender.
- Place squash and potatoes on top of the green beans and simmer for about 30 minutes until vegetables are cooked through.
- Serve hot, optionally with cornbread and onions.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding garlic or onion while boiling the salted fat meat. If you can't find salted fat meat, a smoked ham hock or bacon can be a great substitute. Make sure to trim the green beans and break them into manageable pieces for even cooking. To enhance the dish, you can sprinkle some black pepper or red pepper flakes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these hearty Country Style Green Beans hot as a main dish or a side. They pair beautifully with cornbread and sliced onions for added flavor. For a complete meal, consider serving with Southern Family Swiss Steak or alongside a refreshing Strawberry-Fruit Punch. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or potluck dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the Country Style Green Beans to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. You can also microwave them in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Country Style Green Beans contains roughly 1210 calories, with 28g protein, 168g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (96% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (73% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (68% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 21g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans in this recipe. However, they may require slightly less cooking time. Add them to the pot after boiling the salted fat meat and cook until heated through and tender, adjusting the time as necessary.
What can I do if I want a vegetarian version?
For a vegetarian version, omit the salted fat meat and use vegetable broth for added flavor. You can also incorporate smoked paprika or liquid smoke to give it a smoky taste. Additionally, try adding mushrooms for extra texture and depth.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to your Country Style Green Beans, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes during cooking. Another option is to serve with a hot sauce on the side, allowing each person to adjust the spice level to their preference.
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).