English Green Beans

Cook: 180 min Cuisine: American

A hearty and flavorful side featuring tender green beans cooked with tomatoes, onions, and savory seasonings, perfect for family dinners or comfort food occasions.

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Ingredients

  • 2 qt. green beans
  • 1 qt. canned tomatoes
  • bacon grease or fat back or your usual seasoning for beans or 2 bouillon cubes
  • 1 large onion
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook green beans with seasonings for approximately 2 hours, until very tender.
  2. Cook them down so there isn't a lot of water left in them.
  3. Add sliced onion and canned tomatoes and cook for another hour or so.
  4. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, try using homemade bacon grease; it enhances the dish significantly. If you don't have bacon grease, fat back works well too. Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick. If you prefer a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth in place of bouillon cubes. Adjust cooking time based on the freshness of your green beans; fresher beans may require less time.

Serving Suggestions

These English Green Beans make a delicious side dish for a variety of main courses. They pair beautifully with Good Pork Roast or Rev. Rose Deer Roast. Serve alongside crusty bread and a fresh salad like The 'Ah!' Salad for a complete meal. They can also be enjoyed as a hearty addition to a potluck spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of English Green Beans contains roughly 142 calories, with 6g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (74% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 846mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).

142 kcal 7% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.2g 12% DV
Total Fat 7.1g 9% DV
Carbs 13.2g 5% DV
Fiber 2.7g 10% DV
Sugar 8.5g 17% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 845.8mg 37% DV
Potassium 550.3mg 12% DV
Cholesterol 15.3mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 330.2mcg 37% DV
Vitamin C 66.5mg 74% DV
Calcium 34.1mg 3% DV
Iron 1.5mg 8% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal

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, but they may require less cooking time. Adjust the cooking duration accordingly and check for tenderness as they may cook faster than fresh beans.

What should I do if the beans are still tough after cooking?

If your beans are still tough after the initial cooking time, simply continue to simmer them in the pot. Adding a bit more liquid can help them soften further. Remember, the key is to cook them until very tender.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add diced carrots or bell peppers for additional flavor and texture. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose to include.

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).

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