Melba'S Green Beans
Green beans are coated with a sweet and savory sauce featuring bacon, onion, vinegar, and sugar, creating a flavorful side perfect for family dinners or holiday meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute onion and bacon; pour off grease.
- Mix sugar, vinegar, water, and flour; add to onion and bacon.
- Stir until thick.
- Pour over green beans and stir.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding garlic to the sauté. If you're short on time, pre-cooked bacon can be a convenient substitute. For a healthier twist, you can replace bacon with turkey bacon or omit it entirely and enhance the dish with a dash of liquid smoke. Feel free to adjust the sugar to your taste, especially if you enjoy a less sweet glaze.
Serving Suggestions
Melba's Green Beans make a delightful side dish for various meals, especially with grilled meats or roasted chicken. They pair beautifully with Pork Chops With Vegetables or a hearty Pork Loin Roast With Braised Red Cabbage. Consider serving them alongside cornbread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh herbs for an added pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the green beans in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. For best results, avoid reheating more than once to preserve texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Melba'S Green Beans contains roughly 17 calories, with 1g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 508mg per serving (22% 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 make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt Melba's Green Beans to be vegetarian by using olive oil instead of bacon for sautéing and omitting the bacon altogether. You can enhance the flavor with smoked paprika or liquid smoke, which will add a depth similar to that of bacon without using meat.
What type of green beans should I use?
Fresh green beans are ideal for this recipe, providing the best texture and flavor. However, you can also use frozen green beans if fresh ones aren't available. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the dish to maintain the right consistency and flavor.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it separately from the green beans. Simply sauté the onion and bacon, mix in the sauce, and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and pour it over freshly cooked green beans for the best flavor.
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).