Smothered green beans is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the earthy flavors of green beans with the savory goodness of bacon and the spicy kick of Andouille sausage. This Southern-inspired recipe is perfect for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or any occasion when you crave some comforting and flavorful soul food. With a touch of Cajun seasoning and tender cubed potatoes, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Let's dive into the recipe!
Ingredients:
For this smothered green bean recipe, you'll need:
1 pound of fresh green beans, washed and trimmed
4 slices of bacon, chopped
1/2 cup Andouille sausage, sliced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste for spiciness)
2 cups cubed potatoes
1 cup chicken stock
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Prep the Green Beans: Begin by washing and trimming the fresh green beans. You can snap off the ends or cut the with a knife into bite-sized pieces. Run them under cold water. Set them aside.
Cook the Bacon: In a large, deep skillet or a Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy and releases its delicious fat. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess grease.
Add the sausage and cook until brown. Remove from the pot.
Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet with the bacon and sausage fat, you'll create a roux. Add 2-4 tablespoons of flour. The amount of flour is determined by the amount of fat that is in the pot. If you have a lot of fat use more, if you have a small amount of fat, use less flour.
Stir until the roux thickens and then sauté the aromatics by adding the finely chopped onion Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the onions become translucent
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add Seasonings:
Sprinkle the onion powder, garlic powder, and Cajun seasoning over the sautéed mixture.
Add 1/4 cup of the chicken stock, scraping the bottom of the pot to raise the brown bits. That's all flavor.
Add Green Beans: Add the green beans to the pot. Stir everything together to combine.
Pour in Chicken Stock: Pour the rest of the chicken stock over the mixture in the pot. This liquid will help cook the potatoes and green beans while adding flavor to the dish.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 30 minutes.
Then add the potatoes, cook for 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
If the liquid reduces too much and the dish appears dry, you can add a little more chicken stock as needed.
Finish and Serve: Once the potatoes and green beans are tender, season the dish with salt and black pepper to taste.
Sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces and sausage back into the smothered green beans just before serving to add a burst of flavor and crunch.
Enjoy: Serve your smothered green beans as a side dish or even as a standalone meal. It's a delightful combination of flavors that will please your taste buds.
Smothered green beans is a mouthwatering dish that brings together Southern flavors in a comforting and satisfying way. The combination of fresh green beans, savory bacon, spicy sausage, and tender potatoes makes this recipe a hit at any gathering. So, go ahead and give it a try – your family and friends will thank you for this flavorful and hearty treat!