This pole beans recipe is an old soul food heirloom favorite and what I remember eating frequently as a child. I grew the pole variety this summer in the garden, and they are super prolific/productive. They taste like nothing you buy in a store — super meaty, tender, long-lasting flavor. And now they are a favorite in my own family. The beans will cook in a semi-salty broth and won’t be as salty as the broth.
Prep Time::10 mins
Cook Time::15 mins
Total Time::25 mins
Servings::4
Ingredients
4 cups trimmed heirloom green beans (such as Kentucky Wonder Beans)
1 slice bacon
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon olive oil, or as needed
½ teaspoon sea salt
1 pinch coarsely ground black pepper, or to taste
Directions
Pour about 1 inch of water into a large saucepan; add green beans, bacon, garlic, olive oil, sea salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium. Cover and cook until beans are tender, 7 to 10 minutes.
Editor's Note:
The nutrition data for this recipe includes the full amount of the broth ingredients. The actual amount of the brine consumed will vary.