Speckbohnen (German green beans)
User Reviews
5
Speckbohnen (German green beans)
Description
In this preparation, green beans are trimmed and cooked until just tender to retain their vibrant color and slight snap. After draining and optionally chilling to preserve color, they are combined in a skillet with softened onions and crisped speck or prosciutto sautéed in butter. This process infuses the vegetables with smoky and buttery notes.
The dish results in green beans that carry a delicate smokiness from the speck and a mild sweetness from the onions, with a rich mouthfeel from the butter. It's a straightforward and well-balanced side that pairs well with hearty main courses.
Optional seasoning may include a modest splash of vinegar, a touch of sugar, and mustard to add complexity, but these are best added sparingly to avoid overpowering the delicate bean flavors. The recipe favors simplicity but allows some customization in seasoning to taste.
Ingredients
- 8 oz green beans
- ½ tablespoon butter approx
- ¼ onion
- 1 oz speck or prosciutto (can also use bacon but will likely need a little more)
Instructions
- Trim the ends off the beans and cut longer beans in half so that you have largely equal-lengthed pieces. Finely dice the onion and slice the speck, cutting slices into smaller dice as needed.
- Bring a pot of water to the boil and add a little salt. Add the beans and boil for around 5 minutes until just cooked. Alternatively, you can steam or cook them in the microwave with a little water, if you prefer. Whichever way, you want them tender but only just so they don't become mushy and keep their nice green color. You can run under cold water or place in water with ice to help the color stay brighter as well. Drain and set aside.
- While the beans are cooking, melt the butter in a small-medium skillet over a medium heat. Add the onion and cook for a couple minutes to soften. Add the speck/prosciutto to the pan and cook for a minute or two more until it is starting to crisp. Add the cooked beans, cook a minute, stirring regularly, then serve.
Notes
- To enhance flavor, try adding a small amount of vinegar, sugar, and mustard, but use no more than 1 tablespoon vinegar and sugar and 1 teaspoon mustard.
- Cooking beans until just tender helps maintain their bright color and texture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 3-4
Amount Per Serving
Calories 83 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 83kcal | 4% |
| Carbohydrates | 6g | 2% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 6g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 11mg | 4% |
| Sodium | 82mg | 3% |
| Potassium | 192mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 584IU | 12% |
| Vitamin C | 10mg | 11% |
| Calcium | 31mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
