French String Beans
A savory green bean dish featuring crispy bacon and zesty chili sauce, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with bold flavors and hearty ingredients.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry bacon until crisp.
- Drain bacon on paper towels and crumble.
- Saute chopped onion in bacon drippings.
- Drain beans; add to onions and cook together.
- Add crumbled bacon and chili sauce to the beans.
- Pour in water, season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer until flavors meld, longer simmering enhances taste.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more robust flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the beans. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the bacon with smoked paprika and use vegetable broth instead of water. Fresh green beans can also be used; simply blanch them before adding to the dish for a crispier texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these French String Beans as a hearty side dish alongside grilled meats or roasted chicken. They pair beautifully with Mom's Delicious Green Beans for a comforting meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving with rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to prevent drying out and microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of French String Beans contains roughly 328 calories, with 5g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value), protein (11% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 694mg per serving (30% 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, you can absolutely use fresh green beans! Just blanch them in boiling water for about 3-4 minutes before adding them to the sautéed onions. This will keep them crisp and vibrant in your dish.
What can I substitute for chili sauce?
If you don't have chili sauce, you can make a quick alternative by mixing ketchup with a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes. This will provide a similar tangy and spicy flavor to the dish.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper when cooking the onions. You can also top the finished dish with crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
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).