Paula Deen is a famous American chef and television personality known for her southern-style cooking. One of her most popular dishes is her fresh green beans, which are a staple in southern cuisine.
These green beans are cooked with bacon, onions, and garlic for a flavorful and savory dish that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a large gathering, Paula Deen’s fresh green beans are sure to be a hit. In this article, we explore the recipe for Paula Deen’s fresh green beans and provide step-by-step instructions on how to make this delicious dish.
Gather and Prepare Your Ingredients
Gathering and preparing ingredients is the crucial first step in cooking Paula Deen’s fresh green beans recipe. Here’s what you’ll need: 2 pounds fresh green beans, 4 slices bacon, 1 small onion, 2 cloves garlic, salt, and pepper.
Start by washing the green beans and removing any stems or ends. Cut the bacon into small pieces and chop the onion and garlic. Don’t skip the bacon – it adds a smoky flavor and richness to the dish. With everything prepped and ready to go, you’ll be on your way to making Paula Deen’s classic fresh green beans recipe in no time.
Blanching the Green Beans
Blanching is a culinary technique that involves scalding vegetables in boiling water for a short period followed by cooling them in ice water. Blanching green beans is a crucial step in making Paula Deen’s fresh green beans as it helps to retain the beans’ vibrant color and crisp texture.
To blanch green beans, begin by trimming the ends of the beans and washing them thoroughly. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add the green beans in small batches. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the beans turn bright green and become slightly tender. Next, remove the beans from the boiling water and immediately plunge them into a bowl of ice-cold water to stop the cooking process. Once the beans are cool to touch, drain them and pat dry before proceeding with the recipe. The blanched green beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Sautéing the Onions and Garlic
To make Paula Deen’s fresh green beans, it is essential to sauté the onions and garlic before adding them to the dish. The flavor and aroma of the vegetables are brought out at their best when they are cooked in a little bit of oil or butter.
To start with, heat up a large skillet on medium heat and add some butter or oil. Once it’s hot, add sliced onions and minced garlic, and sauté them until they turn soft and translucent. The onions and garlic will impart a rich and savory flavor to the green beans and perfectly complement the other ingredients used in the recipe. Heating the vegetables slowly ensures that the flavors fuse together properly, creating a delicious dish that will leave everyone wanting for more.
Adding the Green Beans to the Pan
After trimming the ends of the beans and washing them under cold water, heat up a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bacon grease and butter to the pan and allow it to melt. Next, add the chopped garlic and diced onions, sautéing them until they are translucent and fragrant.
Once the onions are tender, it’s time to add the green beans to the pan. Be sure to toss the beans in the garlic and onion mixture, allowing them to cook for a few minutes. Add enough chicken broth to cover about half of the green beans and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer for approximately 10-12 minutes. Check on the beans occasionally and give them a quick stir to make sure they cook evenly. Once the green beans are sufficiently cooked, remove the lid and allow any remaining liquid to evaporate. Serve and enjoy!
Seasoning the Green Beans
Seasoning the Green Beans:
Seasoning the green beans is an important step in achieving the best flavor for the dish. Paula Deen uses a combination of ingredients that can be found in most kitchens to bring out the natural taste of the green beans. Start by melting butter in a pan and adding minced garlic to it. Let the garlic cook for a few seconds before adding the green beans to the pan. Sauté the beans in the garlic butter until they turn bright green. You can add salt and pepper at this point, or wait until you add the bacon and onion.
For those who love a more savory taste, you can add crumbled bacon and diced onion to the pan. Cook the bacon and onion until they are crispy and then add the green beans. Toss the beans until they are coated with the bacon and onion before adding salt and pepper. You can also use other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, celery salt, or smoked paprika depending on your preference. The key is to taste the green beans as you add the seasoning until you achieve the taste you desire. So, seasoning the green beans is crucial for a flavorful dish.
Cooking and Serving the Dish
Once the green beans are cooked, it’s time to serve them up! In Paula Deen’s recipe, she recommends transferring the green beans to a serving dish and sprinkling them with crumbled cooked bacon. This step adds an extra layer of flavor and a bit of crunch to the dish.
It’s worth noting that with green beans, less is often more. You don’t want to overcook them or add too many additional ingredients, as this can overpower their delicate flavor. Simply seasoned and cooked just right, Paula Deen’s fresh green beans are the perfect side dish for any meal.
Tips and Variations for the Recipe
To add some variation to Paula Deen’s fresh green beans recipe, you can try adding diced bacon or pancetta to the pan when cooking the onions and garlic. This will add a savory, smoky flavor that complements the sweetness of the green beans. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices, such as thyme, rosemary, or smoked paprika, to add extra depth of flavor.
If you’re looking for a lighter, healthier variation, you can try steaming the green beans instead of sautéing them in butter. Serve them with a simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey for sweetness. You can also add some texture to the dish with sliced almonds or pine nuts, or even a sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese. Whatever variations you choose, it’s sure to be a hit at your next dinner party or family gathering.
Final Verdict
Making Paula Deen’s Fresh Green Beans is an easy and delicious way to add some nutritious vegetables to your meals. Whether you use bacon or ham as your protein, you will enjoy the savory flavors that bring these green beans to life. Remember to blanch the green beans before cooking to retain their beautiful color and texture.
As with any recipe, the key to success is experimenting with different ingredients and cooking techniques to find the perfect balance of flavors. So go ahead and play around with Paula Deen’s Fresh Green Beans recipe to make it your own, and enjoy this tasty side dish alongside your favorite meals.