Southern Green Beans

Method11 steps · about 1 hr 40 min

1. 1

   Step 1: Trim the green-bean (1 lb) ends, then cut or break the beans into pieces and set aside.

   Uses 1 lb fresh green beans, washed and dried

2. 2

   Step 2: Brown the chopped fully cooked smoked turkey kielbasa over medium heat until the edges color. Reserve the sausage on a plate, leaving its pan bits and renderings in the skillet.

   Uses ½ heaping cup fully cooked smoked turkey kielbasa, chopped

3. 3

   Step 3: Melt 1 tbsp unsalted butter in the skillet with the remaining sausage pan bits and renderings; keep the browned sausage reserved.

   Uses Remaining sausage pan bits and renderings · 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

4. 4

   Step 4: If using, bloom the ¼ tsp red-pepper flakes in the pan for about 30 seconds.

   Bloom optional red-pepper flakes · 1 minUses butter and sausage renderings · ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (Omit if you don't want heat. See note.)

5. 5

   Step 5: Add ½ cup finely chopped white onion and cook until tender.

   Uses prepared seasoned pan fats · ½ cup white onion (finely chopped)

6. 6

   Step 6: Stir in the minced garlic clove (1) and cook until fragrant.

   Uses sautéed onion in seasoned pan fats · 1 garlic clove, minced

7. 7

   Step 7: Add the prepared green beans to the skillet.

   Uses sautéed onion and garlic · prepared green-bean pieces

8. 8

   Step 8: Slowly stir in 2 cups chicken broth, using a skillet that lets the broth cover the beans.

   Uses beans with sautéed aromatics · 2 cups chicken broth (I use Better-Than-Bouillon)

9. 9

   Step 9: Bring to a boil, reduce to a gentle simmer and cover. Simmer for about 1–1½ hours, checking for tender beans that still hold their shape; timing varies with their thickness.

   Simmer Southern green beans · 90 minUses green beans in seasoned broth

10. 10

    Step 10: Return the reserved browned sausage to the skillet and heat it through.

    Uses tender simmered green beans · Reserved browned smoked turkey kielbasa

11. 11

    Step 11: Taste and finish with smoked salt and coarsely ground black pepper as desired, then serve.

    Uses green beans with reheated smoked turkey sausage · Smoked salt to taste for finishing · Coarsely ground black pepper to taste for finishing