Creole String Beans
A flavorful Creole-style string beans dish with smoky bacon, tender vegetables, and a tangy tomato sauce, perfect for hearty family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 12 strips cooked beef bacon ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 3 1/2 tablespoons flour
- 3 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 3/4 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 3/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon dry mustard
- 28 ounces canned peeled tomatoes ⓘ
- 28 ounces canned string beans ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook bacon until crisp, then remove from skillet and set aside.
- Add chopped onion and green pepper to 3 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the skillet.
- Cook the vegetables until tender.
- Blend in flour, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and dry mustard.
- Add canned peeled tomatoes and their juice.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
- Add canned string beans to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Heat crumbled bacon and stir into the beans before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked bacon instead of regular beef bacon. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke to add depth. You can also use fresh green beans instead of canned for a crispier texture. To enhance the dish, a splash of hot sauce can be added for some heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Creole String Beans alongside grilled meats or alongside a hearty dish like Kugli(Lithuanian Potato) for a satisfying meal. This dish pairs beautifully with cornbread or over a bed of rice. For added freshness, consider a side salad with Dandelion Dressing to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the beans in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, to avoid overcooking the beans.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creole String Beans contains roughly 149 calories, with 5g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (174% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1373mg per serving (60% 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?
Yes, fresh green beans can be used in place of canned string beans. Blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes until tender before adding them to the skillet. This will enhance the texture and flavor of the dish.
What can I do if my mixture isn’t thickening?
If the mixture isn't thickening, ensure that you're cooking it long enough after adding the flour. You can also create a slurry by mixing a small amount of flour with cold water and adding it to the mixture while stirring to help it thicken.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce into the mixture. You could also sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
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).