String Beans And New Potatoes
A hearty Southern dish featuring tender string beans cooked with smoky bacon or ham hock, complemented by tender new potatoes for a flavorful, comforting meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Remove ends and all strings from the pole beans.
- Hold one end of a bean and pull down the seam to remove the string; repeat on the other end.
- Cut the beans into 2-inch pieces.
- In a pot, add bacon drippings or a ham hock, then the beans and enough water to cover them by about 1 inch.
- Add salt and stir.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 to 3 hours until the beans are tender.
- About 1 hour after the beans start cooking, add the halved new potatoes to the pot.
- Taste the beans and adjust salt as needed.
- Refrigerate leftovers and reheat before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider using Cuban Ham instead of bacon drippings or a ham hock for a smoky depth. If you can't find pole beans, green beans are a suitable alternative. Ensure to adjust the cooking time as needed; tender beans are key to this dish. If you're short on time, you can also use frozen beans, but fresh ones deliver the best texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish warm as a hearty side alongside grilled meats or as part of a summer picnic spread. It pairs beautifully with pork recipes, enhancing the smoky flavors of the meat. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a light salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the beans and potatoes in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent sticking. Cover and warm until heated through, ensuring the beans remain tender.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of String Beans And New Potatoes contains roughly 23 calories, with 1g protein, 0g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1808mg per serving (79% 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 pole beans for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen pole beans as a convenient option. However, fresh beans offer a better texture and flavor. If using frozen, reduce the cooking time and check for tenderness periodically, as they may cook faster than fresh beans.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the bacon drippings or ham hock and use vegetable broth instead of water for cooking the beans. You can also add a splash of liquid smoke for a smoky flavor that mimics the original recipe.
What can I do with leftover beans and potatoes?
Leftover beans and potatoes can be transformed into a delicious salad or added to soups and stews for extra nutrition. Consider mixing them with fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, and lemon juice for a refreshing cold salad.
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).