Tired of boring, bland vegetable sides that put your taste buds to sleep? Prepare to wake up your dinner table with these mouthwatering Smothered Cajun Green Beans that pack a serious flavor punch! This recipe transforms ordinary green beans into a zesty, Southern-inspired sensation that will have everyone at your table begging for seconds. With just the right blend of Cajun spices and a slow-simmered cooking method, these green beans are about to become the star of your next meal.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Cajun
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Wash and trim the green beans, removing any tough stem ends and cutting them into roughly 2-inch pieces.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering and hot.
- Add chopped onions and bell peppers to the skillet, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until they become slightly softened and the onions turn translucent.
- Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the skillet, stirring quickly to prevent burning and cooking for an additional 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the trimmed green beans to the skillet, stirring to combine with the onion and pepper mixture.
- Sprinkle Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper over the green beans, tossing to ensure even coating and distribution of spices.
- Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, bringing the liquid to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and let the green beans cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Check the beans for tenderness - they should be soft but still retain a slight crispness. If needed, continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if required, adding more Cajun seasoning or salt and pepper to preference.
- Remove from heat and serve hot as a flavorful side dish, ensuring to include some of the cooking liquid when plating.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Green Beans: Always select crisp, bright green beans without blemishes for the best texture and flavor.
- Don't Rush the Sautéing: Take your time caramelizing the onions and peppers - this builds a deep flavor foundation for the dish.
- Watch Your Garlic: Garlic burns quickly, so add it last and stir constantly to prevent bitter flavors.
- Adjust Spice Level: Customize the Cajun seasoning to your heat preference - add more for extra kick or less for a milder taste.
- Use a Heavy-Bottomed Skillet: Cast iron or a thick skillet helps distribute heat evenly and prevents burning.
- Keep the Lid On: Covering the skillet helps the green beans steam and become tender while absorbing all those delicious spices.
- Don't Overcook: Aim for beans that are tender but still have a slight bite - mushy green beans are nobody's friend!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 90kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
