Fresh Green Beans With New Potatoes: A Taste of Simple Elegance
Growing up in the South, pork fat was often the secret ingredient, a delicious shorthand for flavor in so many dishes. It’s a culinary tradition deeply ingrained, but as I honed my skills in the kitchen, I discovered that profound flavor doesn’t have to come at the expense of healthier choices. This recipe for Fresh Green Beans With New Potatoes is a testament to that philosophy. It’s a dish that celebrates the inherent goodness of fresh produce, elevated by a carefully crafted seasoning blend – my own “house seasoning,” which, if you’re so inclined, you can find under Ronda’s House Seasoning. This isn’t just about substituting; it’s about building layers of taste and aroma that stand on their own, proving that vibrant, satisfying meals can be created with intention and thoughtful ingredients.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes – 1 hour 35 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Yield: Serves 8
- Dietary Type: Vegetarian (can be made Vegan by substituting butter with a plant-based alternative)
Ingredients
- 2-3 lbs fresh green beans, ends trimmed
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2-3 cups chicken broth (vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option)
- 2-3 teaspoons Ronda’s House Seasonings (adjust to taste; this is a crucial flavor component)
- 12-14 small red potatoes, washed thoroughly (skins left on)
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Equipment Needed
- Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot with a lid
- Colander
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
Instructions
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Begin by preparing the fresh green beans. Remove the tough ends from each bean. Once trimmed, thoroughly wash the beans in a colander under cool running water. Allow them to drain well as excess water can dilute the flavors. Set them aside while you prepare the next step.
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In a large Dutch oven or a similar heavy-bottomed pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the prepared green beans. Toss the beans gently to ensure they are evenly coated with the olive oil.
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Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth (or vegetable broth). Add 2 to 3 teaspoons of Ronda’s House Seasonings. This seasoning blend is key to achieving the desired flavor profile, so don’t be shy, but adjust based on your preference.
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Cover the Dutch oven and cook over medium-low heat for approximately 30 minutes, or until the green beans are about halfway done. You’re looking for them to soften slightly but still retain a bit of firmness.
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While the beans are cooking, prepare the potatoes. Wash the red potatoes thoroughly, leaving the skins on for added texture and nutrients. Depending on their size, cut them in half. If you have particularly small potatoes, you can leave them whole.
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After the initial 30 minutes of cooking for the beans, add the prepared potatoes and the sliced red onion to the Dutch oven.
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Check the liquid level in the pot. If it appears to be getting low, add more chicken broth as needed to ensure there’s enough liquid to cook the potatoes through. You want a gentle simmer, not a dry pot.
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Cover the Dutch oven again and continue to cook until the potatoes are tender. This typically takes about 20 to 35 minutes longer.
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Check the doneness of the potatoes often by piercing them with a fork or the tip of a knife. It’s also important to check the liquid levels frequently during this stage, adding more broth if necessary. The goal is for the potatoes to be fork-tender without the liquid evaporating completely. The beans should be slightly wilted and tender when this stage is complete.
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In the final 15 minutes of cooking, remove the lid from the Dutch oven. Add the unsalted butter and the black pepper to the pot. Stir gently to incorporate the butter, allowing it to melt and create a luscious sauce, and to distribute the pepper throughout the dish. Continue to cook, uncovered, for these last 15 minutes to allow some of the liquid to reduce and the flavors to meld further.
Expert Tips & Tricks
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, but a few pointers can elevate it further. When selecting your green beans, look for firm, bright green specimens that snap crisply. This indicates freshness and will result in a better texture. For the potatoes, smaller is often better, as they cook more evenly. If you have larger potatoes, cutting them into more uniform pieces will ensure they all reach tenderness around the same time. Ronda’s House Seasonings is designed to provide a balanced flavor, but if you’re experimenting for the first time, start with the lower end of the recommended amount and taste as you go. Don’t be afraid to stir in a little extra butter at the end if you desire a richer sauce – a true indulgence!
Serving & Storage Suggestions
This dish is wonderfully versatile. It shines as a comforting side to roasted chicken, grilled fish, or even a hearty steak. For a vegetarian or vegan meal, it pairs beautifully with a lentil loaf or a substantial grain pilaf. Serve it hot, straight from the Dutch oven, allowing the aroma to entice your guests.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm the green beans and potatoes on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if they seem dry. You can also reheat them in the microwave. Freezing this dish is not generally recommended, as the texture of the green beans and potatoes can become somewhat mushy upon thawing.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 315 kcal | |
| Calories from Fat | ||
| Total Fat | 10 g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 4.3 g | 21% |
| Cholesterol | 15.2 mg | 5% |
| Sodium | 254.3 mg | 10% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 50.3 g | 16% |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.4 g | 33% |
| Sugars | 4.9 g | 19% |
| Protein | 8.3 g | 16% |
Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used.
Variations & Substitutions
While this recipe is a classic for a reason, there’s always room for personalization. For a brighter flavor profile, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving. A pinch of red pepper flakes during the simmering process can introduce a subtle warmth. If chicken broth isn’t your preference, vegetable broth is an excellent substitute for a vegetarian dish. For those following a vegan lifestyle, ensure you use a plant-based butter alternative instead of dairy butter.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
A: While fresh beans are ideal for texture, you can use frozen green beans. Add them directly from frozen in step 2, but be aware they may cook slightly faster.
Q: Do I really need to leave the skins on the potatoes?
A: Leaving the skins on the potatoes adds texture, color, and nutrients. However, if you prefer them without, you can peel them before adding them to the pot, but adjust cooking time as peeled potatoes can cook more quickly.
Q: What is “Ronda’s House Seasonings,” and can I substitute it?
A: “Ronda’s House Seasonings” is a personal blend that provides a savory, aromatic foundation. While you can substitute it with your favorite all-purpose seasoning blend or a mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, the unique flavor profile will be different.
Q: How can I ensure the beans are “slightly wilted” and not overcooked?
A: The best way is to taste them during the final stages of cooking. They should be tender but still have a slight bite. The uncovered cooking in the last 15 minutes also helps prevent them from becoming too soft.
Q: Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the beans and potatoes up to the point of adding the butter and pepper. Store them separately and then combine and finish the cooking with the butter and pepper when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
This simple dish of Fresh Green Beans With New Potatoes is a reminder that the most memorable meals are often those that are uncomplicated, allowing the quality of the ingredients to truly shine. It’s a perfect example of how thoughtful preparation and a well-balanced seasoning blend can transform humble ingredients into something truly special. I encourage you to bring this comforting dish to your table and savor the honest, delicious flavors. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you, and perhaps what delightful pairings you discover!