Southern Beans
Southern Beans is a hearty, comforting dish featuring tender string beans, diced tomatoes, and crispy bacon, perfect for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry 8 to 10 slices of bacon until crispy. Drain, cool, and break into small pieces.
- Using part of the bacon drippings, sauté the diced onion until tender.
- Drain the string beans.
- In a large pan, combine the drained string beans and diced tomatoes.
- Add the bacon drippings and sautéed onions to the pan.
- Cover and simmer until heated through.
- Use a draining spoon to dip out the beans and tomatoes.
- Place them in a long casserole dish.
- Sprinkle with the bacon pieces before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider substituting smoked bacon or adding a pinch of smoked paprika. If you're short on time, canned string beans can work in a pinch, but be sure to adjust the cooking time. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can enhance the dish's flavor, and you can also add a splash of vinegar for a tangy kick. This recipe is flexible, allowing for adjustments based on your pantry.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Southern Beans as a hearty side dish alongside grilled meats, like Heavenly Pork Chops, or with cornbread for a comforting meal. They pair well with a fresh salad or coleslaw to balance the richness. For a complete dinner, consider offering Deviled Ham Whip Spread(Sandwich) as an appetizer to kick off your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them to retain moisture, for about 1-2 minutes. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Beans contains roughly 1435 calories, with 25g protein, 171g carbohydrates, and 75g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (81% of the Daily Value), protein (51% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2100mg per serving (91% 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 fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! If using fresh tomatoes, chop about 4-5 medium tomatoes and add them after the onions are sautéed. Simmer until they break down and create a sauce. This will give your dish a vibrant flavor and a fresh twist.
What can I substitute for bacon?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can use smoked paprika or liquid smoke to replicate the bacon flavor. Alternatively, turkey bacon or pancetta can also be used for a lighter version. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
How do I know when the beans are done cooking?
The beans are done when they are heated through and tender but still hold their shape. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes on low heat after combining with the tomatoes and onions. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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).