German-Style Sweet and Sour Green Beans
Transport your taste buds to Germany with this delightful dish of Sweet and Sour Green Beans. A cherished family recipe passed down from my grandmother, this dish combines crispy bacon, tender green beans, and a tangy sauce that perfectly balances sweetness and savoriness. It's a versatile side that stands out not just during holiday feasts but all year round, especially when the air turns crisp in the autumn months. Serve it at your next family gathering or weeknight dinner, and watch as it steals the spotlight away from traditional green bean casserole.
8
Servings
69
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
bacon
4 slices (Cut into pieces)
onions
1/2 cup (Chopped (or use 2 tablespoons dried onion flakes if preferred))
flour
2 tablespoons (All-purpose flour)
sugar
4 tablespoons (Granulated sugar)
salt
1 teaspoon (Table salt)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Freshly cracked black pepper)
vinegar
1/2 cup (Cider vinegar recommended)
green beans
2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans (Drained (or 2 1/2 lbs fresh green beans, washed and cut, reserving liquid))
bacon bits
1/4 cup (Bacos or real bacon bits)
Instructions
1
In a large cast-iron skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside on paper towels to drain, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
2
Add the chopped onions to the skillet and sauté them in the bacon fat until they are light golden and tender, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the flour and continue cooking for an additional minute, allowing the flour to absorb the bacon fat.
3
Gradually mix in the sugar, salt, pepper, reserved bean liquid (or water), and vinegar. Stir well and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Let it boil for approximately 3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
4
Add the bacon bits to the sauce, stirring to combine. Then, gently fold in the green beans, cooking until they are heated through, about 7 to 8 minutes.
5
Transfer the green beans and sauce to a serving bowl. Crumble the reserved bacon over the top as a garnish and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
3.75g
Fat
7g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are German-Style Sweet and Sour Green Beans?
This is a traditional German-inspired side dish that combines tender green beans with crispy bacon and a tangy sauce that balances sweet and savory flavors.
Is this a family recipe?
Yes, this is a cherished family recipe passed down from the author's grandmother.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use 2.5 lbs of fresh green beans that have been washed and cut as a substitute for canned beans.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 69 calories per serving.
What type of vinegar is recommended?
Cider vinegar is recommended for the best flavor profile in this recipe.
Can I substitute the fresh onions?
Yes, you can use 2 tablespoons of dried onion flakes if you do not have fresh onions.
How much bacon is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 4 slices of bacon to be cooked until crispy.
Do I need to keep the bacon fat in the pan?
Yes, you should leave the rendered fat in the skillet to sauté the onions and create the base for the sauce.
What provides the thickness for the sauce?
Two tablespoons of all-purpose flour are used to absorb the bacon fat and thicken the sauce.
How much sugar is in the sweet and sour sauce?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
How long should I boil the sauce?
The sauce should be brought to a rolling boil for approximately 3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
What should I do if I don't have reserved bean liquid?
If you do not have the liquid from the canned beans, you can use water instead.
When do I add the bacon bits?
Add the bacon bits to the sauce and stir them in before folding in the green beans.
How long do the green beans need to cook in the sauce?
Cook the green beans in the sauce for about 7 to 8 minutes until they are heated through.
How do I garnish the dish?
Garnish the dish by crumbling the reserved crispy bacon over the top before serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is approximately 3.75g of fat per serving.
How much protein is in this side dish?
Each serving contains 2.5g of protein.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 7g of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of skillet is best for this recipe?
A large cast-iron skillet is ideal for cooking the bacon and sautéing the ingredients.
Is this a good holiday side dish?
Yes, it is a versatile side that stands out during holiday feasts and is a great alternative to green bean casserole.
How much salt and pepper is required?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of table salt and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper.
Should the bacon be cut before or after cooking?
The recipe suggests cutting the 4 slices of bacon into pieces before cooking.
What is the best time of year to serve this?
While great all year, it is particularly suited for the autumn months when the air turns crisp.
Can I use store-bought bacon bits?
Yes, the recipe allows for 1/4 cup of Bacos or real bacon bits.
How long do I sauté the onions?
Sauté the onions for about 3-4 minutes until they are light golden and tender.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The flavor is a balance of sweet from the sugar and sour from the cider vinegar, enhanced by smoky bacon.
Is this dish served warm or cold?
This dish should be served warm.
What category does this recipe fall under?
It is categorized as a Vegetable side dish.
Can I use any type of green beans?
Yes, you can use canned green beans or fresh green beans that have been washed and cut.