•- 2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
•- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced into ½-inch pieces
•- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
•- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
•- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
•- ¾ lb small red potatoes, diced into ½-inch cubes
•- ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth
•- ½ cup water
•- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
•- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
•- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar (optional, for balance)
Instructions
1Heat a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced bacon pieces and cook until crispy and the fat has rendered completely, about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the crispy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, but leave all the rendered fat in the pan.
2Add the butter to the bacon fat and allow it to melt completely. Toss in the diced yellow onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent browning.
3Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 45 seconds, being careful not to let it burn.
4Add the trimmed green beans and diced potatoes to the skillet, stirring to coat everything in the bacon fat and butter mixture. Pour in the chicken broth and water, then sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and sugar if using.
5Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the green beans are tender-crisp and the potatoes are fork-tender, about 18-22 minutes. The liquid should reduce slightly, creating a light glaze on the vegetables.
6Return the crispy bacon to the skillet and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. The beans should be savory with a subtle bacon-forward richness, not overly salty.
7Transfer to a serving bowl or platter for restaurant-style presentation, making sure to include some of the flavorful cooking liquid.