Ingredients
2 pounds fresh green beans
4 cups chicken broth
3 cups water
1 cup cooked bacon, roughly chopped (approximately 1 pound before cooking)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 small sweet onion, finely diced
1½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper
Vegetarian Alternative:
To adapt the recipe for vegetarian preferences, substitute 2 tablespoons smoked paprika in place of bacon and opt for vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Preparation
Step 1: Preparing the Green Beans
Rinse the green beans under cold running water.
Trim both ends and halve the beans.
Step 2: Combining the Ingredients
Begin by adding the wet ingredients (chicken broth and water) to a 5- or 6-quart slow cooker.
Follow with the green beans, cooked bacon, minced garlic, diced onion, salt, and pepper.
Mix well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Slow Cooking to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and allow the green beans to simmer on low heat for approximately 6 hours.
For a quicker cooking option, you may also choose to cook them on high for a condensed duration of 2 to 3 hours.
Enjoy your Southern-style braised green beans as a hearty side dish, embodying a blend of sweet, salty, and smoky flavors that are bound to comfort and satisfy.