Green Beans A La Spitzer
Green Beans A La Spitzer combines tender green beans with crispy bacon, garlic, tomatoes, and water chestnuts for a flavorful and hearty side suitable for family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, brown the bacon until crisp and remove onto paper towels.
- Pour out some bacon grease from the Dutch oven.
- Keep the bottom of the Dutch oven covered with bacon grease.
- Add green beans, garlic, and water chestnuts to the Dutch oven.
- Let simmer for a while.
- Add the canned tomatoes to the mixture.
- If using potatoes instead of water chestnuts, add them now.
- Add olive oil to the mixture.
- Cook until potatoes are cooked to your liking.
- Serve and enjoy this flavorful green bean dish.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, try using smoked bacon or incorporate some onion and bell peppers. If you want a vegetarian version, substitute the bacon with a plant-based alternative or omit it entirely. Fresh green beans can also be used instead of frozen; just adjust the cooking time accordingly. Adding a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end can elevate the dish further.
Serving Suggestions
This Green Beans A La Spitzer dish makes an excellent side for grilled meats or roasted chicken. It also pairs beautifully with A Man Loving Casserole for a hearty meal. Consider serving it alongside some crusty bread to soak up the flavors, or top it with freshly grated Parmesan for an extra touch.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Beans A La Spitzer contains roughly 607 calories, with 5g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein.
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 frozen?
Yes, fresh green beans can be used instead of frozen. Just be sure to trim and wash them before adding to the Dutch oven. You may need to slightly adjust the cooking time, as fresh beans typically require less time to cook.
What can I substitute for water chestnuts?
If you don't have water chestnuts, you can use sliced celery for a similar crunch, or even some diced bell peppers. Both options will alter the flavor slightly but will still complement the dish nicely.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño along with the garlic. If you prefer a smoky flavor, adding a dash of smoked paprika can also enhance the taste while keeping the overall dish balanced.
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).