Southern Green Beans Recipe
Recipe Overview
Overview
Southern Green Beans are a staple in many households, especially in the South. This recipe showcases how simple ingredients can come together to create a delicious side dish. The use of hog jowl adds a rich, smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the tender green beans. As they cook, the beans absorb the flavors from the jowl and seasonings, resulting in a dish that is both comforting and satisfying.
The technique of cooking the beans down until most of the liquid evaporates is key to achieving that perfect texture. This method allows the beans to become soft without being mushy, a hallmark of Southern-style cooking. The addition of potatoes not only complements the beans but also makes the dish heartier, making it a great accompaniment to any meal.
What I love about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adjust the seasonings to suit your taste, whether you prefer a little more garlic or a hint of spice. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use fresh green beans during the summer months when they’re in season. Serve these Southern Green Beans alongside cornbread or fried chicken for a true Southern feast.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Let hog jowl brown in a pot.
Rough cut a whole onion and add it to the pot.
Add garlic powder, onion powder, and house seasoning to the pot.
Add green beans to the pot and stir them around in the hog jowl fat.
Add water to the pot with green beans.
Tip: Don't drown your green beans; cook towards the end to evaporate most of the liquid.
Add house seasoning to the pot before covering it.
Add a heapin' teaspoon of chicken base for flavor.
Tip: Use low-sodium chicken base to control saltiness.
Put the lid on the pot to let the green beans cook.
Crack the lid to evaporate excess water after 15 minutes.
Tip: Use clarified butter to enhance the flavor of vegetables.
Cover the pot completely to ensure potatoes cook through.
Check the water level in the pot to see if it's reduced.
Drizzle clarified butter over the green beans and potatoes.
Check if the potatoes are done.
Tip: Southern style green beans should be cooked until tender, not hard.
Top the dish with kosher salt.
Let the dish sit with the lid off to evaporate more water.
Ingredients
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Hog jowl is a traditional Southern ingredient often used to add flavor to green beans.
- •Cooking green beans with the lid on helps retain moisture and flavor.
- •Adding potatoes to green beans is a common practice in Southern cooking.
- •House seasoning can enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
