Savory Green Bean Medley

Savory Green Bean Medley

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh green beans, washed and trimmed
• 4 slices bacon, chopped (optional)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Instructions:

1. Prepare Green Beans:
   • Wash the green beans thoroughly under cold water and trim off the ends.
2. Cook Bacon (optional):
   • If using bacon, in a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.
3. Sauté Green Beans:
   • In the same skillet with the bacon grease (or using 2 tablespoons of olive oil if not using bacon), add the trimmed green beans. Sauté them over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to become tender.
4. Season:
   • Season the green beans with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
5. Add Broth and Butter:
   • Pour the beef broth into the skillet, followed by the butter. Stir gently until the butter is melted and the green beans are well coated.
6. Simmer:
   • Reduce the heat to low and let the green beans simmer in the broth and butter mixture for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of tenderness.
7. Serve:
   • If using bacon, sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces over the top of the green beans just before serving. Otherwise, serve the green beans hot as they are.