Savory Basque-Style Green Beans with Bacon
Indulge in the rich flavors of the Basque region with this delightful Savory Basque-Style Green Beans with Bacon recipe. Fresh or frozen green beans are sautéed with crispy bacon, aromatic garlic, and sweet onions, all simmered in a luscious tomato sauce for a hearty side dish. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, this dish combines simplicity and taste, making it an ideal choice for those looking to explore new culinary experiences while keeping their protein intake low. Serve it alongside your favorite grilled meats or as a stand-alone vegetarian delight.
4-6 servings
Servings
45
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
green beans
1 lb (fresh or frozen, ends trimmed)
onion
1 small (sliced thinly)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
bacon
3-4 slices (diced)
tomato sauce
1 (8 ounce) can (no preparation needed)
salt
to taste (no preparation needed)
pepper
to taste (no preparation needed)
Instructions
1
Start by cooking the diced bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Once done, remove the bacon from the skillet, allowing the drippings to remain.
2
In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced onion and minced garlic to the bacon drippings. Sauté them over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes tender and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3
In a medium saucepan, combine the can of tomato sauce, sautéed onions, garlic, and crispy bacon. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
4
Once boiling, add the drained green beans to the saucepan. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for approximately 15 minutes, allowing the green beans to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
5
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, and serve hot as a delicious side dish.
Nutrition Information
2g
Fat
5.7g
Carbs
1.7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Basque-Style Green Beans with Bacon?
It is a flavorful side dish from the Basque region featuring fresh or frozen green beans sautéed with crispy bacon, onions, and garlic, then simmered in a tomato sauce.
Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
Yes, both fresh and frozen green beans work well for this recipe. If using fresh, ensure the ends are trimmed.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 4 to 6 servings.
Is this dish suitable for a low-protein diet?
Yes, with only 1.7g of protein per serving, it is designed to be an ideal choice for those monitoring their protein intake.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving of these Basque-style green beans contains approximately 45 calories.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, to make it vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil instead of bacon drippings.
What ingredients do I need for the sauce?
The sauce is made from one 8-ounce can of tomato sauce combined with sautéed onions, garlic, and crispy bacon.
How much bacon is required?
You will need 3 to 4 slices of bacon, which should be diced before cooking.
Should I drain the bacon grease?
No, you should remove the crispy bacon but leave the drippings in the skillet to sauté the onions and garlic for better flavor.
How long do I sauté the onions and garlic?
Sauté them over low heat for about 5 to 7 minutes until the onions are tender and translucent.
How long do the green beans need to simmer?
The green beans should simmer in the sauce for approximately 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 2 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 5.7 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
This dish is best served hot as a delicious side dish.
Can I use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon can be used, though you may need to add a little oil if there aren't enough drippings to sauté the vegetables.
What type of onion should I use?
One small onion, sliced thinly, is recommended. Yellow or white onions work best for this profile.
How many cloves of garlic are used?
The recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves.
What is the primary cuisine style of this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by Basque cuisine.
Is there any preparation needed for the tomato sauce?
No special preparation is needed; just use a standard 8-ounce can of tomato sauce.
Can I add salt and pepper?
Yes, you should taste the final dish and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your preference.
What should I serve with these green beans?
They pair very well with grilled meats or can be served as a stand-alone vegetable side.
Can I prepare this in a slow cooker?
While designed for a skillet and saucepan, you could cook the bacon and aromatics first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours.
Are the green beans crunchy or soft in this recipe?
Because they simmer for 15 minutes in sauce, they will be tender rather than crisp-tender.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Most tomato sauces and bacon are gluten-free, but you should always check the labels of your specific brands to be sure.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: green beans, onion, garlic, bacon, tomato sauce, salt, and pepper.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
You can, but fresh minced garlic provides a more authentic and aromatic flavor for this Basque-style dish.
Does this recipe contain any sugar?
There is no added sugar in this recipe, making it a savory vegetable option.
Is the bacon added back into the sauce?
Yes, the crispy bacon is added to the saucepan with the tomato sauce, onions, and garlic before boiling.
What is the total carbohydrate count per serving?
The total carbohydrate count is 5.7 grams per serving.
Is this a good recipe for a family gathering?
Yes, it is a hearty and flavorful side dish that is simple to prepare and appeals to many tastes.