Old Fashioned String Beans
A hearty, savory dish featuring tender string beans simmered with bacon drippings, potatoes, and seasonings, perfect for comforting family meals or traditional gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place string beans in a heavy pot with plenty of water or bean juice from canned beans.
- Add salt, pepper, sugar, and bacon drippings to taste.
- Add cut-up, peeled potatoes if desired.
- Bring to a boil and cook down until beans start to shrivel up.
- Reduce heat and simmer until done according to preference, which may take a couple of hours.
- Be sure to add more water if necessary during cooking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked bacon drippings instead of regular. If you're short on time, you can substitute fresh beans with canned ones, just be sure to drain them before cooking. Adjust the sugar based on the natural sweetness of your beans. For added depth, you can also incorporate some diced onions or garlic into the mix.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Old Fashioned String Beans alongside classic American recipes like E-Z Pork Chops or Pork Roast With Beer for a comforting meal. They also pair well with cornbread or a light salad, such as Pineapple Spinach Salad, to balance the richness. For a complete dinner, consider offering some crusty bread on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to prevent drying out and warm them gently on the stove or in the microwave. These beans can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just make sure to cool them completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned String Beans contains roughly 16 calories, with 1g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 506mg 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 use other types of beans for this recipe?
Yes, while snapped green beans are traditional, feel free to experiment with other varieties like wax beans or even haricots verts. Just adjust cooking times as needed, since some beans may require longer to become tender.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the bacon drippings and replace them with olive oil or vegan butter. You can also enhance the flavor by adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the smoky taste.
What do I do if the beans are cooking too quickly?
If the beans are cooking too quickly and starting to overcook, simply reduce the heat and add more water to the pot. This will help slow down the cooking process while ensuring the beans remain tender without becoming mushy.
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).