Explore a true taste of Germany with Gruene Bohnen, a classic German green beans recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful side dish. Fresh green beans are gently steamed with crispy bacon, buttery onions, and fragrant garlic, then finished with aromatic nutmeg and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a rustic, homestyle touch. Perfectly tender yet crisp, these green beans are a savory complement to hearty German mains like schnitzel or bratwurst. With just 30 minutes from prep to plate, this dish is not only quick and easy but packed with authentic flavor, making it a must-try addition to your repertoire of German recipes.
Wash and trim the green beans, cutting off the ends.
Finely dice the bacon and yellow onion. Mince the garlic cloves and chop the fresh parsley.
In a large skillet or pan, heat the butter over medium heat until melted.
Add the diced bacon to the pan and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove the bacon pieces from the pan and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
Add the diced onion to the pan and sauté in the bacon fat for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the green beans to the pan and toss to coat them with the butter and aromatics.
Pour in 1 cup of water and cover the pan with a lid. Allow the beans to steam for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender but still slightly crisp.
Remove the lid and stir in the cooked bacon pieces. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
Cook for another 2-3 minutes, letting the water evaporate and allowing the flavors to meld.
Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the green beans and give them a final toss.
Serve warm as a side dish to your favorite German entrees such as schnitzel or bratwurst.
Calories |
685 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 36.5 g | 47% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.7 g | 64% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 99 mg | 33% | |
| Sodium | 4087 mg | 178% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 51.0 g | 19% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.7 g | 70% | |
| Total Sugars | 21.3 g | ||
| Protein | 44.9 g | 90% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.4 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 260 mg | 20% | |
| Iron | 7.0 mg | 39% | |
| Potassium | 1818 mg | 39% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.