Green Beans And Potatoes
A hearty Southern classic featuring tender green beans, salty salt pork, and potatoes, perfect for comforting family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cover salt pork with water and cook for 20 minutes.
- Break green beans into 1/2-inch pieces and add to the pot.
- Cover with water and cook for 1 1/2 hours, adding more water if necessary to keep beans covered.
- Add potatoes and enough water to cover the vegetables.
- Cook for another 30 minutes or until potatoes are done.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the salt pork with smoked bacon or ham hocks. If green beans are out of season, frozen beans work well too. Maintain the water level to ensure even cooking; if it gets low, add hot water to avoid cooling the pot. For a fresh twist, toss in a handful of herbs like thyme or dill towards the end of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot as a hearty side or main course. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. For a more substantial offering, consider serving alongside grilled meats or a protein such as chicken or pork chops for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any 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 short intervals, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, warm on the stovetop over low heat until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Beans And Potatoes contains roughly 844 calories, with 11g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (56% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (43% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. It also contributes 9g 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 frozen?
Yes, fresh green beans are ideal for this recipe. They offer better texture and flavor. If using frozen, adjust cooking time slightly as they are pre-cooked and may not need as long to heat through.
What can I substitute for salt pork?
If you don't have salt pork, smoked bacon or ham hocks can be great alternatives. They add a similar smoky flavor but adjust the salt in the recipe accordingly, as they can be saltier than salt pork.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Omit the salt pork and use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor. You can also enhance the dish with mushrooms or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a savory depth while keeping it vegetarian.
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).