German Style Green Beans
German Style Green Beans features tender green beans combined with crispy bacon, onions, and savory broth, creating a hearty side perfect for family dinners and festive occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute diced bacon in a 1-quart saucepan over low heat until crisp.
- Add chopped onion; saute until tender.
- Add bouillon granules, black pepper, and flour; mix well.
- Heat the green beans; drain, reserving the juice, and add it to the bacon mixture.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Pour the bacon mixture over the green beans, adding pieces of crisp bacon on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, try using smoked bacon or pancetta instead of regular bacon. If you want to make this dish vegetarian, substitute the bacon with olive oil and add a dash of liquid smoke for flavor. You can also use fresh green beans; just blanch them before adding to the dish for a vibrant color and crisp texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these German Style Green Beans as a delightful side dish to accompany grilled meats or hearty main courses, such as Orange Soy Chicken or French Coqauvin. They pair well with potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the bacon and bouillon flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the beans in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of water to prevent sticking. Cover and stir occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave them in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of German Style Green Beans contains roughly 287 calories, with 12g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (74% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value), and iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. It also contributes 12g 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 green beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can absolutely use fresh green beans. Blanch them in boiling water for about 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp, then add them to the bacon mixture. This will enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.
What can I substitute for bacon to make this dish vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, replace the bacon with olive oil and sauté the onions in it. You can add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar smoky flavor, while maintaining the overall taste of the dish.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when mixing in the bouillon and flour. This will give your green beans a nice kick while complementing the savory flavors of the bacon.
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).