Prepare to be transported to the heart of Southern comfort with this mouthwatering Soul Food Green Beans and Potatoes recipe that promises to elevate your side dish game! Imagine a pot of tender green beans and creamy potatoes simmered to perfection in a rich, flavorful broth that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. This isn't just a side dish – it's a culinary journey through traditional Southern cooking that brings warmth, nostalgia, and incredible taste to your dinner table.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Soul Food
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 cups potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash and trim the green beans, removing any tough ends. Cut them into approximately 2-inch pieces for even cooking.
- Peel and dice the potatoes into roughly 1-inch cubes, ensuring they are relatively uniform in size to promote even cooking.
- Peel and finely chop the onion, creating small, uniform pieces that will distribute flavor throughout the dish.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour the vegetable broth into the pot with the sautéed onions, bringing the liquid to a gentle simmer.
- Add the diced potatoes to the broth first, as they take longer to cook. Allow them to simmer for approximately 10-12 minutes until they start to become tender.
- Carefully add the trimmed green beans to the pot, stirring gently to combine with the potatoes and broth.
- Season the mixture generously with salt and black pepper, adjusting to your taste preferences.
- Cover the pot and let the green beans and potatoes simmer on low heat for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until both vegetables are tender but not mushy.
- Occasionally stir the mixture to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The liquid should reduce slightly, creating a flavorful, slightly thickened broth.
- Once the vegetables are tender and the broth is slightly reduced, remove from heat and let stand for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Transfer to a serving dish, making sure to include the flavorful broth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving hot as a hearty side dish.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, select crisp, bright green beans and firm potatoes. Fresh produce makes a significant difference in the final taste.
- Cut Vegetables Uniformly: Ensure your potatoes and green beans are cut into similar-sized pieces to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture.
- Low and Slow is the Key: Simmer the vegetables on low heat to allow them to become tender without losing their integrity or turning mushy.
- Don't Skip the Onions: Sautéing the onions before adding broth helps develop a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
- Season Generously: Soul food is all about bold flavors, so don't be shy with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings throughout the cooking process.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld together and makes for a more delicious final result.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
