Snap Beans
A hearty Southern classic featuring tender snap beans cooked with savory salt meat and onions, accented with a dash of Tabasco for a flavorful, comforting side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place cubed salt meat in a pot with water and boil for about 30 minutes.
- In another pot, add canned or fresh snap beans.
- Add the cooked salt meat, chopped onion, and oil to the beans.
- Add 2 to 3 drops of Tabasco sauce.
- Cook until the beans are tender and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense flavor, you can substitute the salt meat with smoked sausage or bacon. If you want a vegetarian option, consider using smoked paprika or liquid smoke for added depth. Fresh snap beans will yield a crisper texture, while canned beans offer convenience. Adjust the amount of Tabasco sauce to your heat preference, keeping in mind that a little goes a long way.
Serving Suggestions
These snap beans make a hearty side dish and pair beautifully with Pot Roast Beef or a simple grilled chicken. Serve alongside cornbread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal. They also complement a fresh salad or coleslaw, adding a nice contrast to the meal. For a twist, consider serving them with Cucumber Pickles Aristocrats for an added crunch.
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 retain moisture, and warm them in a saucepan over low heat until heated through. You can also microwave them, but be cautious not to overcook, as this can make the beans mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Snap Beans contains roughly 156 calories, with 7g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (16% of the Daily Value), protein (13% of the Daily Value), and iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 630mg per serving (27% 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 snap beans for this recipe?
Yes, frozen snap beans can be used as a convenient alternative. Just be sure to thaw them beforehand for even cooking. You may want to reduce the cooking time slightly since frozen beans are often blanched before freezing.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To elevate the heat level, consider adding more Tabasco sauce or incorporating diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. You could also enhance the flavor profile by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce during cooking.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To create a vegetarian version, simply omit the salt meat and replace it with a mix of sautéed mushrooms and smoked paprika for a depth of flavor. You can also enhance the dish with vegetable broth instead of water.
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).