French Green Beans with Bacon

French green beans, also known as haricots verts, are at their prime during the late spring and summer months. But, you can enjoy this dish year-round. You can even pick up them from the frozen shelf, just to make sure to unfreeze them first.

You can find fresh French green beans and bacon in most supermarkets or local markets.

Fortunately, the ingredients for this dish are easily accessible. Here’s a breakdown:

Green beans can be found in the produce section of any grocery store or farmers’ market.

Look for smoked bacon to impart that classic French countryside aroma. Butcher shops or specialty grocers often carry high-quality cuts.

Garlic, onion, and butter are staples in the kitchen; just ensure they’re fresh for the best flavor.

Spring onion and parsley can be found in the herb section of most supermarkets. Pick sprigs that are vibrant and green.

Optional add-ins, such as shallots, lemons, or toasted almonds, are also widely available and can elevate the dish further.

Absolutely! You can substitute regular bacon for turkey bacon or even skip it. Green onions and parsley can be substituted with rosemary, dill or any other your favorite greens.

Olive oil can be substituted with butter, sunflower, or canola oil.

Sure! This French Green Beans with Bacon recipe is a versatile dish for various menus.

For an appetizer, you can start with Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus.

You can prepare Veal Cutlets or Roasted Turkey Breast with Spices as your main.

Then, serve my exquisite Strawberry Panna Cotta, or Chocolate Hazelnut Pavlova as dessert. So yum!

Here are my best tips to make this recipe right:

• Trim the stems gently.
• Don’t overcook the green beans; they should retain their color and slight crunch.
• Chop greens just before serving.
• Bacon is naturally salty, so taste the dish before adding extra salt. A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavors.

If you are a fan of wine, like I am I would recommend to serve this dish with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied Chardonnay. Also, a glass of sparkling rose wine would be another great alternative.

If you prefer non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a slice of lemon will be a perfect choice.

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

To reheat, sauté them gently in a skillet over medium heat to retain their texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the green beans soggy.