German String Beans And Bacon
German String Beans and Bacon offers a hearty blend of crispy bacon, tender green beans, and tangy vinegar, perfect for a comforting family meal or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the frozen string beans in boiling water, then reserve the bean water and set the beans aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the chopped onion and chopped bacon together until cooked through.
- Stir approximately 2 tablespoons of Wondra flour into the bacon and onion mixture.
- Gradually add some of the reserved string bean water until the mixture reaches a smooth, gravy-like consistency.
- Stir in 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar.
- Add freshly ground pepper to taste, then stir in the cooked string beans.
- Let the mixture simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens.
- If the mixture becomes too thick, add a little water to loosen it.
- Continue to cook for a total of about 30 minutes, until flavors meld and the sauce is thickened.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, try using smoked bacon instead of regular bacon. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that depth of flavor. Wondra flour is great for this dish, but you can also use regular all-purpose flour; just make sure to cook it a bit longer to remove the raw taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish alongside crusty bread or over a bed of rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. It pairs beautifully with Baked Red Rice or other pork recipes for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh herbs for added flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or bean water to loosen the mixture if it thickens too much. It can also be reheated in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of German String Beans And Bacon contains roughly 211 calories, with 10g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value) and iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. It also contributes 13g 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 fresh string beans instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh string beans can be used in this recipe. Simply trim and blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes before adding to the dish. This will ensure they maintain their vibrant color and crunch.
What can I substitute for apple cider vinegar?
If you don't have apple cider vinegar on hand, white wine vinegar or lemon juice can be used as substitutes. They will provide a similar acidity and brightness to the dish.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the bacon and onion mixture. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference, and remember that a little goes a long way.
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).