Oh, the joys of simple pleasures! Nothing beats the comforting aroma of sizzling bacon in the morning or any time, really. Pair it with green beans and a sprinkle of golden breadcrumbs, and you’ve got a side dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. I remember the first time I made this, I was in a hurry—late for a dinner party, of course—but somehow, it turned out to be the star of the evening.
Steps
- Begin by dicing the bacon and placing it in a cold sauté pan. Gradually heat the pan to medium, stirring occasionally until the bacon is crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, reserving a tablespoon of bacon grease for later use and leaving the remainder in the pan.
- In the same pan, add garlic and slivered almonds, sautéing for about a minute. Stir in the Panko breadcrumbs, rosemary, salt, and pepper, cooking for 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown. Combine this mixture with the bacon in a bowl, seasoning further if necessary.
- Wipe the pan clean and return it to medium-high heat. Add green beans, 1/3 cup of water, and a pinch of salt, then cover the pan. Steam the beans for 5 minutes until nearly tender, then uncover and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the water evaporates and beans are crisp-tender.
- Toss the green beans with the reserved tablespoon of bacon grease (or butter), ensuring they are evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste before removing the pan from heat.
- To serve, place half of the green beans in a serving dish and sprinkle with half of the breadcrumb mixture. Add the remaining green beans and top with the rest of the breadcrumbs. Serve warm and enjoy!
Ingredients
- Fresh green beans (trimmed, any variety of long, thin, fresh green beans)
- Bacon (finely diced)
- Garlic (amount to taste, minced)
- Slivered almonds (or sliced/finely-chopped almonds)
- Panko breadcrumbs (or any breadcrumbs you have, including gluten-free if preferred)
- Fresh rosemary (finely chopped, or substitute with dried rosemary)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Water (1/3 cup)
FAQ
- Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
- While fresh green beans are recommended for the best texture, you can use frozen green beans. Just make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before cooking to prevent excess moisture.
- What can I substitute for almonds in the breadcrumb mixture?
- You can replace almonds with other nuts like pecans, walnuts, or pine nuts. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly for different types of nuts, so monitor them closely to avoid burning.
- Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
- Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free by substituting regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or by making your own using gluten-free bread processed in a food processor.
- What other vegetables can I use with the bacon breadcrumbs?
- The bacon breadcrumbs are versatile and can be used with various vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, asparagus, cauliflower, or sweet potatoes. Feel free to experiment with your favorites!
- How can I store and reheat leftovers?
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the green beans and breadcrumb mixture separately in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, then combine before serving.
Tips
- Use a Cold Pan for Bacon: Begin cooking your bacon in a cold pan, then gradually heat it up. This method helps render the fat more evenly, resulting in crispier bacon.
- Customize Your Breadcrumbs: Experiment with different nuts and herbs in the breadcrumb mixture to suit your taste. Pecans or walnuts, and herbs like sage or tarragon, can offer unique flavors.
- Opt for Gluten-Free: If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or make your own by processing gluten-free bread in a food processor.
- Avoid Extra Pans: Utilize the steam-sauté technique for the green beans. This method helps you achieve perfectly tender beans using the same pan, eliminating the need for an additional steamer.
Equipment
- Sauté Pan with Lid – Essential for frying bacon and steam-sautéing the green beans.
- Panko Breadcrumbs – While not equipment, Panko is a specific type of breadcrumb that some people might not have on hand.
- Slivered Almonds – Again, not equipment, but a specific ingredient that might need purchasing.
- Fresh Rosemary – A specific herb that may not be stocked in all kitchens.
