French-Style String Beans And Tomatoes
A savory French-inspired side featuring tender green beans, smoky bacon, and sweet tomatoes, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with rich flavors and comforting appeal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook bacon until crispy and set aside.
- Saute chopped onion in bacon drippings until translucent, then drain.
- Drain green beans and combine with tomatoes in a 2-quart pan over medium heat.
- Add brown sugar, salt, pepper, and cooked onion to the pan and cook for 15 minutes.
- When ready to serve, crumble and add the cooked bacon to the dish.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh green beans instead of canned for a crisper texture. If you're looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon can be substituted for traditional bacon. You can also enhance the dish with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. If you prefer a sweeter taste, try using maple syrup instead of brown sugar.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is a fantastic side for grilled meats like Pork Tenderloin With Pommery-Mustard Marinade or alongside hearty entrees like Rouladen(German Meat Rolls). Serve it warm, garnished with fresh herbs, and it pairs beautifully with crusty bread. For a complete meal, consider serving with a light salad or over a bed of rice.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can microwave them in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of French-Style String Beans And Tomatoes contains roughly 1134 calories, with 10g protein, 234g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1167mg per serving (51% 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 frozen green beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Just cook them according to package instructions before adding them to the dish. This can enhance the texture and freshness of the dish.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
You can use canned diced tomatoes or stewed tomatoes for this recipe. Fresh tomatoes can also work well; just chop them finely and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. It reheats well, making it a great option for meal prepping lunches or dinners throughout the week.
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).