Green Beans, New Potatoes And Bacon
A hearty and comforting dish featuring tender green beans, new potatoes, and crispy bacon. The slow cooking process melds the flavors, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings. Rich, savory, and satisfying, it showcases the simple goodness of fresh ingredients cooked to perfection.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place green beans, bacon, and new potatoes in a large pan.
- Add enough water to cover the ingredients.
- Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer.
- Cook for several hours until everything is tender and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked bacon. If you're short on time, you can substitute canned green beans, but fresh ones yield the best texture. If new potatoes are unavailable, any waxy potato will suffice. For a touch of acidity, add a splash of vinegar before serving. This dish pairs well with German Red Cabbage for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the green beans, new potatoes, and bacon warm, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added color and flavor. This dish is excellent on its own or alongside grilled meats, such as German Style Pork Chops. For a complete meal, consider serving with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can microwave the dish in short intervals until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Beans, New Potatoes And Bacon contains roughly 96 calories, with 5g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of 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 frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans, but they may require a shorter cooking time. Add them after the potatoes have cooked for an hour to prevent them from becoming mushy. Fresh beans provide a better texture, but frozen can work in a pinch.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?
The potatoes are done when they are fork-tender and easily pierced with a knife. Cooking time can vary based on size, so check them after about 30 minutes of simmering. If using small new potatoes, they may cook faster than larger ones.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the bacon and instead use olive oil or butter for flavor. Add herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the dish. For a protein boost, consider including chickpeas or white beans, which complement the other ingredients well.
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).