Savor the Essence of the South: Soulful Smothered Green Beans

This dish exemplifies the true essence of comfort and flavor. By incorporating a rich roux, delectable andouille sausage, and savory bacon, this Southern classic reaches new heights of taste and satisfaction. In this blog post, we invite you to discover the irresistible combination of flavors that elevates smothered green beans to a whole new level of culinary delight. It’s sure to have you screaming, “Yes, Lawd”!

The Power of the Roux:

At the heart of this smothered green bean recipe lies a well-crafted roux, a mixture of fat and flour that serves as the flavor base and thickening agent. By slowly cooking rendered bacon fat or butter with flour, the roux develops a nutty and caramelized flavor, adding depth and richness to the dish. This essential element sets the stage for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Spice It Up With:

Say hello to our flavor hero: andouille sausage! Hailing from the deep roots of Cajun cuisine, this fiery sausage brings the heat and a symphony of herbs and spices. As it dances its way through the green beans, it imparts a smoky, savory kick that will make your taste buds sing. Brace yourself for a tantalizing burst of flavor that will leave you craving more of this fiery sensation.

Bacon’s Signature Touch:

Who doesn’t love the irresistible allure of bacon? In this smothered green bean extravaganza, bacon takes the spotlight once again! Its smoky, salty essence elevates the dish to heavenly heights, adding a touch of indulgence and a crunchy surprise in every mouthwatering bite. Whether crispy or slightly tender, bacon brings that addictive quality that makes you want to dive headfirst into a plate of these greens.

Adding Hearty Comfort: Potatoes

Potatoes have the remarkable ability to absorb and enhance the flavors of the ingredients they are cooked with. When added to smothered green beans, they soak up the rich roux, the smoky notes of bacon, and the robust flavors of andouille sausage. This allows the dish to reach new heights of taste and complexity.

Potatoes are renowned for their ability to impart a sense of comforting bulk to any meal. By incorporating them, the dish becomes more substantial and satisfying, making it suitable as a standalone main course. This allows for a well-rounded feast for those days when you crave a warm and filling Southern delight.

How To: Trimming Green Beans

• Begin by washing the green beans under cool water.
• Equip yourself with a sharp knife or kitchen scissors and have a bowl or plate handy.
• Hold a green bean and carefully trim off the stem end.
• Rotate the bean and trim off the tail end as well.
• You can leave them whole or cut them to your desired length.
• Dispose of the trimmed pieces in a separate container.
• Give the trimmed green beans a final rinse and dry them gently.
• With these simple steps, your green beans are now trimmed and prepared for use in this recipes.

A Southern Feast:

While smothered green beans with a roux, andouille sausage, and bacon can easily stand alone as a satisfying meal, they also shine when served as part of a larger Southern feast. Pair them with classic mains like fried chicken or smoked ribs, and complete the meal with Southern-inspired sides such as cornbread, collard greens, or macaroni and cheese. The result will be a mouthwatering symphony of flavors that epitomizes Southern hospitality.

FAQ:

Q: Why add potatoes to smothered green beans?

A: Potatoes add a unique dimension to smothered green beans by absorbing the flavors of the seasonings and spices, creating a delightful fusion of taste. They contribute a creamy texture and offer a hearty element that elevates the dish to a satisfying main course.

Q: Can I freeze smothered green beans with potatoes?

A: Smothered green beans with potatoes can be frozen. However, keep in mind that potatoes may undergo a slight change in texture after freezing. When reheating, they might become softer. Slightly undercook the dish to compensate for the texture changes that may occur during freezing and reheating.

Q: Are there any vegetarian or vegan options for smothered green beans?

A: Absolutely! Smothered green beans can easily be adapted to suit vegetarian or vegan diets. Simply omit the use of meat-based ingredients and focus on incorporating flavorful vegetarian or vegan alternatives. Consider using vegetable broth or alternative plant-based proteins to enhance the taste profile. The dish will still maintain its savory and satisfying qualities.

Savor the Essence of the South: Soulful Smothered Green Beans

Recipe by Alden B.Course: Main, SidesCuisine: Southern

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

55

minutes

Ingredients

• 1 ½ – 2 lb fresh green beans

• 4 red potatoes (peeled and quartered)

• ½ lb andouille sausage (cut ¼” rounds)

• 4 bacon slices (chopped)

• 1 onion (chopped)

• 3 garlic cloves (minced)

• 2 tbs all purpose flour

• 3 c chicken broth

• 1 tsp granulated garlic

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp cajun seasoning

Directions

• Using kitchen scissors, snip the stem end off of the green beans and discard. Cut the green beans in half and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
• In a heavy bottom pot over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy and remove from the pot. Add in sausage to the same pot with the rendered bacon fat and cook until browned. Remove and set aside with the bacon.
• Strain and save the drippings from the bacon and sausage to use in other recipes in place of butter. Add 3 tbs of the drippings back in the pot along with 2 tbs of all purpose flour. Stir for 5 minutes to form a roux.
• Add in onions and cook for another 5 minutes or until tender. Add in garlic and seasonings and cook for an additional minute. Remember, “If you ain’t sneezing, it ain’t seasoned!”
• Gradually begin to add ½ cups of chicken broth while scraping the bottom of the pot with the wooden spoon to deglaze it and release all of the flavors.
• Add in green beans and the remaining chicken broth. Bring to a boil, reduce to a low heat and cover for 25 minutes.
• Remove the top, add in potatoes and cover for another 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender.
• Stir the bacon and sausage into the pot, plate it up and just like my name, you’re all done!

Recipe Video

Notes

• If you want your green beans less tender, add the potatoes in at step 6.
• You can eat this as a side dish or as a main dish over rice with a side of cornbread!