There’s no reason why the side dish can’t steal the show. Ultimate Green Beans is a lively, yet elegant dish that will blend gloriously with your choice of meats. Fresh cut green beans are steamed until tender-crisp, then joined with savory bacon, dried tart cranberries, and a dash of sweet maple syrup and smoky bourbon for an exquisite combination everyone will rave about. Ultimate Green Beans is the perfect showstopper side to upgrade any meal. Who said green beans were boring?
Ingredients
- water, to taste
- 3 cups green beans, freshly cut
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 bacon strips, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon bourbon, optional
Directions
Step 1 –In a large saucepan over medium heat, add 1 inch of the water and place a steamer basket on top of the pan.
Step 2 –Add the green beans to the steamer basket and bring the water to a boil.
Step 3 –Reduce the stovetop heat to maintain a low boil.
Step 4 –Cover the saucepan and allow the green beans to steam until crisp-tender, about 4-5 minutes.
Step 5 –In a large skillet over medium heat, add the onion and the bacon pieces and cook until the bacon is crisp, about 6-9 minutes.
Step 6 –Drain the cooked onion-bacon mixture and transfer it back to the same large skillet.
Step 7 –Add the dried cranberries, the maple syrup, the salt, the black pepper, and the bourbon to the onion-bacon mixture and cook, while stirring, until heated and combined.
Step 8 –Add the steamed green beans to the bacon mixture and cook, tossing to combine, until the green beans are heated through and completely coated.
Step 9 –Serve hot.
