Real Recipes From Real Home Cooks ®

fresh southern style green beans

(1 rating)
Recipe by
Elaine Bovender
Wilmington, NC

Ever since I was a child, I've always loved the fresh local green beans that were available in the summer months. There are many different ways to cook green beans, this is just my way. My mom used to add salt pork and pressure cook them with potatoes. My husband prefers them with bacon instead of salt pork, so that's what I do. I have also pressure cooked mine with the potatoes. This time, I just simmered them slow on the stove top and I didn't add the potatoes. Either way, they are just wonderful! I have included the pressure cooking instructions with the potatoes below. Enjoy!

(1 rating)
yield 4 to 6, depending on serving size
prep time 15 Min
cook time 3 Hr
method Stove Top

Ingredients For fresh southern style green beans

  • 1 1/2 to 2 lb
    fresh green beans
  • 3 to 4 slice
    bacon, cooked crisp (reserve grease)
  • 1 tsp
    salt (or to taste)
  • water to cover

How To Make fresh southern style green beans

  • 1
    Remove ends and any strings from green beans and discard. Break or cut green beans into 1 to 1 1/2 inch pieces into a strainer.
  • 2
    Once beans are all broken, wash green beans thoroughly, removing any dirt that might be present. Place into a large heavy saucepan or dutch oven and cover with water.
  • 3
    Cut or break bacon into small pieces and add to beans. Add about one to two tablespoons of the bacon grease, reserving the rest to use another time. Add salt.
  • 4
    Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low to medium low. Cover and simmer for about two to three hours until tender. Enjoy with some fresh baked cornbread and iced tea or with your favorite main dish.
  • 5
    ALTERNATE COOKING METHOD: Prepare the green beans as above, but place them in a pressure cooker instead of a saucepan/dutch oven. Process according to your manufactures instructions for about 15 minutes. Remove from heat. Once pressure has dropped, you may add some fresh peeled potatoes or small new potatoes. Return to heat and pressure cook for about another 12 to 15 minutes. Once pressure has dropped, you may remove the lid from the cooker and serve.
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