Green Beans Piquante
Green Beans Piquante offers tender green beans in a tangy, smoky bacon-infused sauce with vinegar and Worcestershire, perfect as a flavorful side for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine green beans, sliced onion, water, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Cook, covered, for 25 minutes or until beans are just tender; drain.
- In a skillet, cook bacon until crisp; drain.
- Reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings.
- Crumble the bacon and set aside.
- Return the bacon drippings to the skillet; stir in vinegar, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Pour the sauce over the drained beans in the saucepan; sprinkle with crumbled bacon.
- Toss lightly to mix.
- Cover and return to heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Serve at once.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing some minced garlic with the onions before adding the green beans. If you don't have red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar can be a good substitute. You can also use turkey bacon for a lighter option. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, especially if using different bacon types that may vary in saltiness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the green beans piquante as a vibrant side dish alongside grilled meats or as part of a holiday spread. They pair beautifully with American recipes like Golden Brown Pork Chops or Ham And Cheese Biscuits. For a complete meal, consider adding a light salad or crusty bread to the table.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover green beans piquante can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 1-2 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Beans Piquante contains roughly 163 calories, with 6g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 750mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).
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 reduce the cooking time slightly as they will cook faster than fresh beans. Just ensure they are thawed and drained before adding them to the saucepan to prevent excess water.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make green beans piquante vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and use olive oil instead of bacon drippings. You can enhance the flavor with smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the bacon's depth.
What can I serve with green beans piquante?
These green beans make a great side for various dishes. They go well with grilled chicken, pork chops, or even a hearty stew. Consider pairing them with Fast, Easy Baked Beans for a comforting meal.
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).