Hearty Pennsylvania Dutch Green Bean Medley
Experience the delightful tastes of traditional Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine with this Hearty Green Bean Medley. This isn’t just another green bean casserole; it’s a delightful blend of flavors that marries crispy bacon with tender green beans, complemented by a hint of sweetness and tanginess. The combination of brown sugar and vinegar brings a lovely sweet & sour balance, while the hard-boiled eggs add a creamy texture. This dish is sure to become a staple at your family gatherings, as it hits all the right notes of comfort and nostalgia, earning its place as a beloved side dish in any meal.
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bacon
3 strips (crispy and crumbled)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Dry Mustard
1/4 teaspoon
Brown Sugar
1-2 tablespoons (2 tablespoons recommended for sweetness)
Hard-Boiled Egg
1 (sliced)
Onion
1 small (sliced)
Cornstarch
2 teaspoons
Green Beans
1 can (drained)
Vinegar
1 tablespoon
Instructions
1
Begin by frying the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the pan and crumble it into small bits. Leave about 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings in the skillet.
2
Add the sliced onion to the skillet with the reserved drippings. Sauté the onions over medium heat until they are soft and lightly browned.
3
In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch, salt, and dry mustard. Gradually stir this mixture into the skillet with the onions, blending it well.
4
Open the can of green beans and drain them, reserving about 1/2 cup of the liquid.
5
Pour the reserved liquid into the skillet with the onion mixture. Cook and stir until the mixture begins to boil and thicken.
6
Once boiling, mix in the brown sugar and vinegar into the skillet, stirring until well combined.
7
Add the drained green beans to the skillet and heat them through for about 3-4 minutes while gently stirring to coat them in the sauce.
8
Transfer the green bean mixture to a serving dish. Garnish with the crumbled bacon and slices of hard-boiled egg on top for a finishing touch. Serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hearty Pennsylvania Dutch Green Bean Medley?
It is a traditional side dish featuring green beans, crispy bacon, and hard-boiled eggs in a sweet and sour sauce.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve approximately 10 people.
What makes the flavor profile unique?
The dish features a classic Pennsylvania Dutch sweet and sour balance created by combining brown sugar and vinegar.
What are the main ingredients?
The primary ingredients are canned green beans, bacon, onion, hard-boiled eggs, brown sugar, vinegar, cornstarch, salt, and dry mustard.
How should the bacon be prepared?
The bacon should be fried until crispy and then crumbled into small bits.
Do I need to save the bacon grease?
Yes, you should reserve about 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the skillet to saute the onions.
How do I cook the onions?
Sauté the sliced onions in the reserved bacon drippings over medium heat until they are soft and lightly browned.
What is the thickening agent for the sauce?
Cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce mixture.
Should I drain the green beans?
Yes, drain the beans but be sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the liquid to use in the sauce.
What spices are used in the seasoning?
The recipe uses salt and dry mustard mixed with cornstarch for seasoning.
When do I add the brown sugar and vinegar?
Add the brown sugar and vinegar once the liquid mixture in the skillet has reached a boil and begun to thicken.
How much brown sugar is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1-2 tablespoons, but 2 tablespoons is recommended for the best sweetness.
How long should the green beans be heated?
Once added to the sauce, heat the green beans through for about 3-4 minutes while gently stirring.
What is used as a garnish?
The dish is garnished with the crumbled crispy bacon and slices of hard-boiled egg.
Is this dish served warm or cold?
This green bean medley should be served warm.
What kind of onion should I use?
One small onion, sliced, is ideal for this recipe.
What texture does the egg add?
The hard-boiled eggs add a creamy texture that complements the tender beans and crispy bacon.
Is this recipe suitable for holidays?
Yes, it is tagged as a holiday dish and is a great addition to family gatherings.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized under Vegetable dishes.
How many strips of bacon are needed?
You will need 3 strips of bacon.
Can I use fresh green beans?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 can of green beans, utilizing the canning liquid for the sauce.
How is the cornstarch mixture prepared?
Mix the cornstarch, salt, and dry mustard in a small bowl before stirring it into the sautéed onions.
What is the preparation for the hard-boiled egg?
The hard-boiled egg should be sliced and placed on top of the dish before serving.
Is this a traditional recipe?
Yes, it is a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch style recipe.
What does 'Hearty' refer to in the title?
It refers to the addition of protein-rich ingredients like bacon and eggs which make it more substantial than a basic vegetable side.
How do I ensure the sauce is smooth?
Gradually stir the cornstarch and spice mixture into the onions and blend well before adding the liquid.
What is the cooking time for the beans in the skillet?
The beans only need 3 to 4 minutes to heat through once added to the sauce.
Is there a specific way to stir the beans?
Stir gently to coat them in the sauce without breaking the tender beans.
What kind of vinegar should be used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of vinegar; typically white or cider vinegar is used in Pennsylvania Dutch cooking.
Does this recipe contain any fiber?
While specific nutritional data isn't provided, green beans are a natural source of fiber.