Spanish Green Beans
Spanish Green Beans is a flavorful dish combining tender green beans with savory ham and bacon, infused with garlic, onions, and a touch of white wine and nutmeg. Perfect as a side or main for those who enjoy hearty, aromatic vegetables with a smoky, slightly spicy kick.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook green beans in boiling salted water until tender; drain.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet.
- Add chopped onions, chopped parsley, pressed garlic, chopped ham, and chopped bacon; cook until ham and bacon are done.
- Add white wine, a dash of nutmeg, and salt; cook briefly to combine flavors.
- Add cooked green beans and a small amount of water if necessary.
- Cover and simmer until heated through.
- Sprinkle with coarse black pepper before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker preparation, consider using pre-trimmed green beans. If you want a vegetarian option, you can replace the ham and bacon with smoked paprika for a similar flavor profile. Fresh parsley adds a bright note, but dried herbs can work in a pinch. Adjust the amount of garlic to your taste, as it can easily overpower other flavors.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with Indonesian Pork Chops for a hearty meal. Serve it alongside rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. A light salad can complement the richness of the green beans, making it a balanced meal. Garnish with additional parsley for a fresh finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the green beans in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Cover and heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spanish Green Beans contains roughly 239 calories, with 11g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (61% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 711mg per serving (31% 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, frozen green beans can be a convenient substitute. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the skillet. The cooking time may be slightly reduced since frozen beans are often blanched before freezing.
What can I use instead of white wine?
If you prefer not to use white wine, you can substitute it with vegetable broth, chicken broth, or a mixture of vinegar and water. This will still provide the dish with some acidity and depth of flavor.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when cooking the onions. This will give the dish a nice kick without overwhelming the other flavors. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
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).