Description
This Cajun Smothered Green Beans & Potatoes recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring tender green beans and baby red potatoes cooked with crispy bacon, aromatic onions, garlic, and a punch of Cajun seasoning. Slow-simmered in chicken broth, this comforting Southern-inspired side combines savory spices and fresh ingredients for a perfect accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 pound baby red potatoes, quartered
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Meat & Broth
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
Seasonings & Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove the bacon using a slotted spoon and set aside to drain.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Using the same pot with the bacon fat and olive oil, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
- Add Cajun seasoning: Stir in the Cajun seasoning, mixing well with the sautéed onion and garlic to evenly coat them and release the spices’ aroma.
- Cook potatoes: Add the quartered red potatoes to the pot. Stir to combine with the seasoned mixture and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the potatoes to begin absorbing the flavors.
- Add chicken broth and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for approximately 20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Add green beans: Add the trimmed green beans into the pot, stirring well to combine with the potatoes and onion mixture. Cover again and simmer for an additional 10 minutes, until the green beans are tender but still vibrant in color.
- Season to taste: Season the dish with salt and pepper as desired. Optionally, add more Cajun seasoning for extra heat and flavor punch.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the reserved crispy bacon pieces over the top as a crunchy garnish. Remove the pot from heat.
- Finish with parsley: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for brightness and serve hot as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- Use fresh green beans and baby red potatoes for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning according to your spice preference.
- Leftover green beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Make sure not to overcook green beans to maintain their vibrant color and slight crunch.
