This savory and spicy green beans with bacon and tomatoes recipe creates a flavorful combination of fresh vegetables, smoky bacon, and tangy tomatoes. The dish plays with the taste buds, offering a variety of textures and flavors, from the crunch of the beans to the softness of the tomatoes, all enhanced by the bacon's smoky undertones.
All ingredients listed should be easily accessible in your local supermarket. However, do pay attention to the type of bacon and green beans you choose. Opt for a smoky slab bacon for its rich and intense flavor. Also, ensure you choose fresh green beans for a delightful crunch. Use Italian tomatoes for their vibrant color and sweet tanginess. Lastly, don't forget the chicken stock, which adds depth to the dish.
Ingredients for Spicy Green Beans with Bacon and Tomatoes
Extra virgin olive oil: This oil infuses the dish with a rich, fruity flavor that complements the smoky bacon.
Smoky slab bacon: The bacon adds a smoky, salty depth to the dish.
White onion: Onion adds a sweet, aromatic note to the dish.
Garlic cloves: Garlic cloves provide a pungent heat that enhances the overall flavor.
Green beans: They add a crisp, fresh texture to the dish.
Red pepper: Red pepper brings a spicy kick to contrast with the other savory flavors.
Italian tomatoes: These tomatoes add a sweet, tangy note that balances the dish's savory elements.
Chicken stock: Chicken stock provides a rich, savory base for the dish.
Bay leaves: Bay leaves add a subtle, herbal flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Salt: Salt enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients.
One reader, Helenka Bolt says:
This spicy green beans with bacon and tomatoes recipe is a game-changer! The combination of smoky bacon and zesty tomatoes adds a burst of flavor to the crisp green beans. It's a delightful dish that's perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. Highly recommended!
Techniques Required for Spicy Green Beans with Bacon and Tomatoes Recipe
How to cook bacon: Cook the bacon in a large enameled cast-iron casserole over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until it becomes crisp, which should take about 8 minutes.
How to sauté onions and garlic: Add the onion and garlic to the casserole and cook, stirring, until they are softened, which should take about 8 minutes.
How to cook green beans with tomatoes and bacon: Add the green beans and crushed red pepper to the casserole, and cook, tossing, until the beans are coated with fat and just beginning to soften, which should take about 3 minutes. Then, add the tomatoes, chicken stock, bay leaves, and crisp bacon, season with salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to moderately low, cover partially, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender, which should take about 20 minutes.
How to reduce cooking liquid: Boil the cooking liquid over high heat until it is reduced by half, which should take about 15 minutes.
How To Make Spicy Green Beans with Bacon and Tomatoes
Level up your Thanksgiving sides with a serving of these tender green beans, tossed with savory bacon and crushed red pepper, for a dish with a kick!
Serves:
Ingredients
- ¼cupextra virgin olive oil
- ½lbbacon,smoky slab
- 1large white onion
- 4large garlic cloves
- 3lbsgreen beans
- ½tspred pepper,crushed
- 35ozItalian tomatoes,(1 can), peeled
- 2cupschicken stock
- 2bay leaves
- salt
Instructions
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In a large enameled cast-iron casserole, heat the olive oil until shimmering. Add the bacon and cook over moderate heat, stirring, for about 8 minutes, until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a plate.
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Add the onion and garlic to the casserole and cook, stirring, for about 8 minutes, until softened. Add the green beans and crushed red pepper and cook, tossing, for about 3 minutes, until the beans are coated with fat and just beginning to soften.
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Add the tomatoes, chicken stock, bay leaves and crisp bacon, season with salt and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to moderately low, cover partially and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes, until the beans are tender.
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Using a slotted spoon, transfer the beans to a large bowl.
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Boil the cooking liquid over high heat for 15 minutes until reduced by half. Return the beans to the casserole and heat through.
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Transfer to a bowl; discard the bay leaves.
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Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Make Ahead: The green beans can be refrigerated for up to 2 days
Nutrition
- Calories: 190.87kcal
- Fat: 12.93g
- Saturated Fat: 3.35g
- Trans Fat: 0.03g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.85g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.98g
- Carbohydrates: 14.58g
- Fiber: 4.33g
- Sugar: 7.24g
- Protein: 6.45g
- Cholesterol: 13.67mg
- Sodium: 636.90mg
- Calcium: 59.42mg
- Potassium: 540.53mg
- Iron: 1.68mg
- Vitamin A: 77.41µg
- Vitamin C: 26.90mg
Technique Tip for Perfecting Spicy Green Beans with Bacon and Tomatoes
When preparing your green beans, ensure they are all of similar size for even cooking. If some are significantly larger than others, consider cutting them in half. This will ensure that all the beans are tender and ready to eat at the same time. Additionally, when reducing the cooking liquid in step 9, keep a close eye on it. The goal is to concentrate the flavors, not to completely evaporate the liquid. If it reduces too much, you can always add a bit more chicken stock to achieve the desired consistency.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Spicy Green Beans with Bacon and Tomatoes
Prep ahead: Chop the bacon, onion, and garlic in advance to save time during the cooking process.
Use frozen: Consider using frozen green beans to skip the step of trimming and cutting fresh beans, saving both time and effort.
One-pot wonder: Opt for a large, deep skillet or pot to cook the entire dish in one vessel, minimizing cleanup and streamlining the cooking process.
Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze the extra portions for a quick and delicious meal on a busy day.
Kitchen tools: Utilize a food processor to quickly chop the onions and garlic, and a mandoline slicer for uniform bacon slices, saving time on prep work.
Substitute Ingredients For Spicy Green Beans with Bacon and Tomatoes Recipe
extra virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar high smoke point and mild flavor, making it a suitable replacement for extra virgin olive oil in this recipe.
smoky slab bacon - Substitute with smoked turkey bacon: Smoked turkey bacon provides a similar smoky flavor and texture to traditional bacon, while offering a leaner and healthier alternative.
white onion - Substitute with yellow onion: Yellow onions have a slightly stronger flavor than white onions, but they can be used as a substitute in this recipe without significantly altering the overall taste.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic cloves, providing a convenient alternative with a similar flavor profile.
green beans - Substitute with asparagus: Asparagus can be used as a flavorful alternative to green beans, offering a similar texture and the ability to absorb the savory flavors of the dish.
red pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can be used to add heat and spiciness to the dish, similar to red pepper, but with a slightly different flavor profile.
italian tomatoes - Substitute with canned diced tomatoes with Italian seasoning: Canned diced tomatoes with Italian seasoning can provide a convenient alternative to Italian tomatoes, adding depth of flavor to the dish.
chicken stock - Substitute with vegetable stock: Vegetable stock can be used as a substitute for chicken stock, providing a flavorful base for the dish while accommodating dietary preferences.
bay leaves - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme can be used as a substitute for bay leaves, adding a similar earthy and aromatic flavor to the dish.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for regular salt, offering a slightly different flavor profile and texture.
Best Way to Present Spicy Green Beans with Bacon and Tomatoes
Elevate the green beans: Arrange the green beans in a circular motion on the plate, creating a visually appealing presentation. This will showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the dish.
Garnish with crispy bacon: Place the crispy bacon on top of the green beans in an artful manner, adding a touch of smoky flavor and a delightful crunch to each bite.
Drizzle with reduced cooking liquid: Carefully drizzle the reduced cooking liquid around the green beans, creating an elegant and flavorful sauce that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Sprinkle with fresh herbs: Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the presentation.
Serve on elegant dinnerware: Present the spicy green beans with bacon and tomatoes on sophisticated, high-quality dinnerware to elevate the dining experience and impress the culinary professionals with a touch of elegance.
Essential Tools for Making This Spicy Green Bean Recipe
- Enameled cast-iron casserole: A heavy-duty pot with a durable enamel coating, ideal for slow cooking and braising.
- Slotted spoon: A spoon with slots or openings that allow liquid to drain away, perfect for retrieving solid ingredients from liquids.
- Large bowl: A spacious container for mixing and serving dishes.
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a long handle and a lid, suitable for making sauces and heating liquids.
- Chef's knife: A versatile, all-purpose knife used for chopping, slicing, and dicing a variety of ingredients.
- Cutting board: A sturdy surface for cutting and preparing ingredients, protecting countertops and ensuring safety.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential tools for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
- Wooden spoon: A kitchen utensil made of wood, commonly used for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
How To Store and Freeze Spicy Green Beans with Bacon and Tomatoes
- Let the spicy green beans with bacon and tomatoes cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 4 days.
- If you want to freeze the dish, transfer the cooled green beans to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- When freezing, it's best to portion the green beans into individual servings or meal-sized portions for easier thawing and reheating.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents before placing it in the freezer. The spicy green beans with bacon and tomatoes will maintain their quality for up to 3 months in the freezer.
- To reheat the frozen green beans, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, transfer the beans to a saucepan or microwave-safe dish and heat them until they are warmed through and steaming. You may need to add a splash of water or chicken stock to help reconstitute the sauce.
- If you prefer, you can also reheat the frozen green beans directly from the freezer. Place them in a saucepan with a little water or chicken stock over medium heat, stirring occasionally until they are heated through and the sauce has thickened.
- Keep in mind that the texture of the green beans may be slightly softer after freezing and reheating, but the flavors will still be delicious.
How To Reheat Leftover Spicy Green Beans with Bacon and Tomatoes
Reheat the spicy green beans with bacon and tomatoes in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the beans are heated through and the liquid is simmering. This method helps to preserve the texture of the green beans and allows the flavors to meld together.
For a quicker reheating option, microwave the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel to prevent the beans from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the beans are heated through. Be careful not to overcook the beans, as they may become mushy.
If you prefer a crispy texture, reheat the spicy green beans in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the leftovers evenly on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the beans are heated through. Remove the foil for the last 2-3 minutes of reheating to allow the bacon to crisp up.
For a stovetop method that mimics the original cooking process, reheat the leftovers in a large enameled cast-iron casserole. Add a splash of chicken stock or water to prevent the beans from sticking and to help reconstitute the sauce. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the beans are heated through and the liquid is simmering.
If the leftover spicy green beans seem dry, add a small amount of chicken stock or water to the pan or dish while reheating. This will help to revive the sauce and prevent the beans from becoming too dry or overcooked.
Random Fact About Spicy Green Beans with Bacon and Tomatoes
Green beans are a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese. They are also high in fiber and low in calories, making them a healthy addition to any meal.
Is Making Spicy Green Beans with Bacon and Tomatoes Economical for Home Cooking?
This spicy green beans with bacon and tomatoes recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The combination of affordable ingredients like green beans, bacon, and canned tomatoes makes it a budget-friendly option. The addition of chicken stock and extra virgin olive oil may slightly increase the cost, but the overall expense for a family of four would be approximately $15-$20. The rich flavors and hearty nature of this dish make it a satisfying and economical choice. Verdict: 9/10
Is This Spicy Green Bean Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The spicy green beans with bacon and tomatoes recipe is a flavorful dish, but it may not be the healthiest option due to a few ingredients and cooking methods. Here's an analysis of the recipe:
- The recipe uses a significant amount of bacon, which is high in saturated fat and sodium. While bacon adds a smoky flavor, it can contribute to heart disease and high blood pressure if consumed in excess.
- The dish is cooked in olive oil, which is a healthier fat option compared to other oils. However, the recipe calls for a quarter cup of oil, which may be more than necessary.
- Green beans are a nutritious vegetable, providing fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are the main component of the dish, which is a positive aspect.
- The recipe includes onion and garlic, both of which offer various health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory properties and potential immune system support.
- The addition of canned Italian tomatoes provides some extra nutrients, but it's important to consider the sodium content in canned products.
- The use of chicken stock adds depth to the dish, but it can also increase the sodium content.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of bacon or replace it with a leaner protein source, such as turkey bacon or grilled chicken.
- Use less olive oil or opt for cooking methods that require less fat, such as steaming or sautéing with a small amount of oil.
- Choose low-sodium canned tomatoes or fresh tomatoes to reduce the overall sodium content.
- Replace the chicken stock with a low-sodium version or use water instead.
- Increase the number of green beans and other vegetables in the dish to boost its nutritional value.
- Add herbs and spices, such as basil, oregano, or red pepper flakes, to enhance the flavor without relying on salt.
Editor's Thoughts on This Spicy Green Bean Recipe
The recipe for spicy green beans with bacon and tomatoes is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The smoky slab bacon adds depth and richness, while the green beans provide a satisfying crunch. The addition of Italian tomatoes and red pepper brings a burst of tangy and spicy notes, creating a well-balanced dish. The use of chicken stock and bay leaves infuses the beans with savory undertones, elevating the overall taste. This recipe offers a perfect blend of hearty and zesty elements, making it a standout side dish that is sure to impress.
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Why trust this Spicy Green Beans with Bacon and Tomatoes Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, featuring smoky slab bacon for a rich, savory taste, complemented by the freshness of green beans and the tangy sweetness of Italian tomatoes. The use of extra virgin olive oil and chicken stock adds depth and richness to the dish, while the aromatic blend of garlic and onion infuses every bite with irresistible flavor. With the careful balance of ingredients and cooking techniques, this recipe promises a satisfying and delicious dish that you can trust to impress your taste buds.
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