Holiday Green Beans

When the Holiday’s come around everyone has their favorite food traditions. And, you most likely have a favorite vegetable to serve alongside the turkey, ham or prime rib. In our family the kids ask for one version of green beans and they call them “Nan’s Green Beans", after their beloved Grandmother.

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These are super easy to make. They can be made in the morning and then simmer on the stove until done. They will make the whole house smell good even before that turkey goes in the oven.

Start by frying the bacon in a large stock pan or Dutch oven. Let the bacon get crispy nut not smoke.

Next, add the onions and garlic. Sauté until just soft.

Add the frozen green beans. This recipe can be easily doubled for a larger crowd.

Add the water next. The vermouth was Nan’s go to ingredient for flavor enhancing vs. wine. A dry white wine can be used too as both will enhance, but not over power, the flavor. Of course, the alcohol can be omitted all together, substituting vegetable stock or just water, but the special flavor won’t be the same.

Add lots of salt and pepper. Remember this is a big batch. After an hour or so, taste and add more if necessary.

The below picture is after an hour of cooking. These can cook for 2 hours or more. They also make excellent leftovers to go with the rest of the leftover meal.

This recipe had not been written down by Nan’s children, so I am excited to have it here now to share with you! Like you, I’m sure with your family members, we all miss Nan, but are grateful for her traditions.

Yield: 10-12

Author: Nan Hipskind

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Holiday Green Beans

These easy to make, delicious green beans are a perfect compliment to any holiday meal. Everyone will be asking for seconds!

Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 2 HourTotal time: 2 H & 15 M

Ingredients

• 6 slices thick cut bacon, cut into pieces
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup vermouth (optional, can also use white wine or chicken stock)
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 2 16 oz packages French cut green beans
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

1. On the stovetop, heat a large stock pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add the cut up bacon. Let fat release before stirring. Fry until the bacon is semi-crispy but not yet smoking.
2. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the bacon. Stir well, sautéing the onion until soft.
3. Add the frozen packages of green beans. Stir well.
4. Add the vermouth and stir again, scraping up any brown bits that may have formed. Then add the water.
5. Add salt and pepper, then stir once more. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat.
6. Simmer very low for at least an hour and up to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. If the green beans stay covered there should be enough liquid, if not, add more water or stock.
7. Taste, additional salt and pepper if desired. The green beans should be very soft, the liquid now bacon and onion flavor filled.
8. Once ready to serve, use a slotted spoon. Enjoy!