Smoked Bacon Green Bean Bundle
This Smoked Bacon Green Bean Bundle is a flavorful and elegant side dish that pairs wonderfully with roasted meats. The green beans are blanched to retain their bright green color, then wrapped in smoky bacon and sautéed to golden perfection. You can prepare this dish ahead of time and simply reheat it, making it ideal for a banquet-style meal.
Servings: 6
Calories: 230kcal
Ingredients
- 60 green beans
- 6 slices double smoked bacon, thick
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 toothpicks
Instructions
- Stalk the green beans on both sides. Wash in cold water and strain in a colander. Boil some salted water following these two rules:
- Season with 1 teaspoon of salt per liter, or quart, of water. Boil 4 liters, or quarts, per pound of green vegetables. Put the green beans in boiling water. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the beans.
- Prepare a bath of ice-cold water. Strain the green beans in a colander. Transfer immediately to ice-cold water to refresh. The shock of the temperature change will fix the chlorophyll in the green beans. As such, they will stay bright green. Strain the green beans as soon as they are cold. This works for all green vegetables.
- Separate into 6 equal portions. Season and brush the green beans with olive oil. Wrap in bacon slices. Fasten with two toothpicks and cut off the ends on both sides. Warm up the rest of the olive oil. Sauté the bundles on medium heat until golden brown. Set aside. Serve immediately without the toothpicks!
- You may prepare everything ahead, banquet style. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 7 minutes just before serving.
Notes
Did you know? Haricots verts is French for green beans but refers to a longer, thinner type of green bean than the typical American green bean.
Cooking Tips for Smoked Bacon Green Bean Bundle:
- Crispy Bacon: If you want your bacon extra crispy, consider partially cooking the bacon in the oven before wrapping the green beans. This ensures the bacon crisps up nicely without overcooking the beans.
- Green Bean Prep: When blanching the beans, ensure the water is at a rolling boil before adding the beans, as this will preserve their bright color and texture. If you’re making a larger batch, blanch the beans in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Using Toothpicks: When securing the bacon with toothpicks, be sure to place the toothpicks in a way that holds the bacon securely but doesn’t puncture the green beans. This will make the bundles easier to handle while cooking.
- Oven Reheat Tip: If reheating, you can place the bundles on a baking sheet and lightly cover them with foil to prevent the bacon from drying out. This will keep the bacon moist while still getting crispy.
- Alternative Seasoning: Experiment with adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the olive oil before brushing the beans for an extra layer of flavor. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before serving can also elevate the taste.
- Make-ahead Tip: If preparing the bundles ahead of time, store them in the fridge, covered, until you’re ready to cook. This allows the flavors to meld and can make the cooking process quicker when you’re ready to serve.
- Avoid Overcooking: Be careful not to overcook the green beans during the blanching process. They should be crisp-tender, not mushy. The key is in the immediate cooling process that helps retain their color and crunch.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats, like chicken, turkey, or beef. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad or mashed potatoes for a well-rounded meal.
Elevate Your Culinary Skills with Online Culinary School!
Ready to elevate your cooking skills? Join us today to explore a range of culinary courses designed for every skill level! Whether you’re a beginner or looking to master advanced techniques, our hands-on courses make learning to cook both enjoyable and rewarding. 🍲👩🍳👨🍳
🔥 Craving some delicious salmon recipes? Check out our curated selection here: Salmon Recipes
🎥 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more culinary inspiration and tutorials.
➡️ Start your culinary journey today: Learn to cook with us!