For the longest time, it seemed in vogue to cook vegetables al dente or tender-crisp. I happen to like my vegetables cooked that way, though I may just be dating myself by publicly declaring such. My wife (and often food photographer for the site) prefers vegetables like beans to be fully cooked. This Cajun-inspired dish employs the technique of cooking in a relatively small amount of liquid, fully cooking the beans while infusing them with savoury flavours. Whichever “vegetable doneness” camp you may be from, this combination of beans, bacon and spice is certain to win you over.
Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
8 strips bacon – cut into squares 1 large onion – diced 3 cloves garlic – finely chopped or grated ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes 2 pounds green beans – trimmed ½ cup chicken or vegetable stock Salt and Pepper to TastePreparation:
Place a suitable pot or Dutch oven on medium heat and add the bacon once it reaches temperature. Stir the bacon occasionally until lightly browned.
Add the onion, stirring occasionally for five minutes.
Stir in the garlic and pepper flakes and cook for one minute.
Add the beans and stock, then bring the heat to high until a boil is reached. Cover and reduce to simmer for ten minutes. Uncover and cook, stirring a few times for ten more minutes.
Remove from heat, then season with salt and pepper, serving immediately.
My wife (from Winnipeg) – likes the vegetables overcooked. I’ll try adding bacon next time to trick her into liking them my way!
Bacon is the great equalizer and bringer of dining peace the world over.