The Best Southern Green Beans Recipes

THE BEST GREEN BEANS EVER

Steps:

• Snap the stem ends of the green beans, or cut them off in a big bunch with a knife if you'd prefer.
• Melt the bacon grease in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and onions and cook for a minute. Then add the green beans and cook until the beans turn bright green, about a minute. Add the chicken broth, chopped red pepper, salt and pepper to taste. Turn the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid, leaving the lid cracked to allow steam to escape. Cook until the liquid evaporates and the beans are fairly soft, yet still a bit crisp, 20 to 30 minutes. You can add more chicken broth during the cooking process, but don't be afraid to let it all cook away so the onions and peppers can start to caramelize.

THE BEST SOUTHERN GREEN BEANS

Steps:

• Put green beans in pot- if canned add juices, if frozen add water enough to see but not cover beans- cook on medium heat.
• Fry bacon until cooked but not too crisp- drain on paper towel.
• Cut onion in large (thick) slices and break rings apart in to beans.
• Crumble or rip bacon apart add to beans.
• Add spices to taste.
• Let cook for a few hours on low heat.
• If want to serve sooner- turn heat up and cook until water boils down.
• OR can put in crockpot on low all day long and let simmer.

SOUTHERN GREEN BEANS

Steps:

• Place a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Pour in the vegetable oil. Spread the ham in the skillet in a thin layer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until it turns brown and crispy. Remove half of the ham shards from the skillet and place on a paper-towel lined plate. Leave the remaining ham and any fat that has rendered in the skillet.
• Add the green beans, chicken stock, pepper and salt to the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the stock reduces and darkens in color and the beans are soft but hold their shape, about 30 minutes. Pour into a serving platter and sprinkle with the reserved crispy ham.