Zydeco Green Beans
Elevate your side dish game with Zydeco Green Beans, a vibrant and flavor-packed recipe that brings the festive spirit of Louisiana straight to your plate. Tender green beans are blanched to perfection and then infused with smoky, savory, and slightly spicy notes thanks to crispy thick-cut bacon, sautéed onions, red bell peppers, and a zesty Cajun seasoning blend. A splash of chicken broth ensures every bite is juicy and brimming with rich flavor, while optional hot sauce adds a bold kick for spice lovers. This quick recipe, ready in just 30 minutes, is an irresistible pairing for your favorite Southern-inspired mains, from fried catfish to barbecue ribs. Perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings, these Zydeco Green Beans deliver a crowd-pleasing combination of textures and bold, comforting flavors.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 0.25 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- to taste salt
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and blanch them for 3-4 minutes until they are crisp-tender. Immediately drain and transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and pat dry. Set aside.
In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it is crispy and rendered, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet; discard any excess.
Add the olive oil to the skillet with the bacon fat and heat over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the Cajun seasoning, paprika, and ground black pepper, stirring to coat the vegetables evenly.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and toss to coat them in the seasoning and broth.
Cook for 3-4 minutes over medium heat until the green beans are heated through and have absorbed the flavors. If desired, stir in the optional hot sauce for an extra kick.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt if needed. Sprinkle the crispy bacon over the green beans just before serving.
Serve the Zydeco Green Beans warm as the perfect spicy and smoky side dish to complement any Southern-inspired meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
542 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 28.7 g | 37% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.0 g | 35% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 34 mg | 11% | |
| Sodium | 2917 mg | 127% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 53.9 g | 20% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.3 g | 65% | |
| Total Sugars | 24.5 g | ||
| Protein | 27.0 g | 54% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 235 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 7.1 mg | 39% | |
| Potassium | 1720 mg | 37% | |
*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.
