Ingredients:

2 pounds fresh green beans

4 cups chicken broth

3 cups water

1 cup cooked bacon, roughly chopped (approximately 1 pound before cooking)

1 clove garlic, minced

1 small sweet onion, finely diced

1½ teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon pepper

Vegetarian Alternative:

To adapt the recipe for vegetarian preferences, substitute 2 tablespoons smoked paprika in place of bacon and opt for vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.


Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the Green Beans


Rinse the green beans under cold running water.

Trim both ends and halve the beans.

Step 2: Combining the Ingredients


Begin by adding the wet ingredients (chicken broth and water) to a 5- or 6-quart slow cooker.

Follow with the green beans, cooked bacon, minced garlic, diced onion, salt, and pepper.

Mix well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Slow Cooking to Perfection


Cover the slow cooker and allow the green beans to simmer on low heat for approximately 6 hours.

For a quicker cooking option, you may also choose to cook them on high for a condensed duration of 2 to 3 hours.

Enjoy your Southern-style braised green beans as a hearty side dish, embodying a blend of sweet, salty, and smoky flavors that are bound to comfort and satisfy.