Flat, Italian-style green beans taste quite similar to their more familiar counterpart, the string bean, but have a somewhat softer texture. They hold up well to long cook times and this recipe is a perfect example. It combines the sweetness of braised garlic, fruity olive oil and salty pancetta for a full-flavored side dish.
Italian Green Beans with Pancetta and Braised Garlic
Braised garlic and pancetta flavor this easy, make-ahead side dish made with Italian-style flat (or regular) green beans.
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 lbs Italian-style flat green beans, pole beans
- 8 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 lb pancetta, cut into 1/4-inch dice
- 1/4 cup onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Peel the garlic and slice the cloves lengthwise into 4 to 6 slivers. Place them in a small covered saucepan and add the olive oil. Cook over low heat for 15 to 20 minutes until tender and sweet. Do not brown.
- While the garlic braises, fry the pancetta in a large skillet until barely crisp, 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add the onion and continue cooking until it is soft and translucent, about 2 minutes longer.
- Add the beans, water, and red wine vinegar. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the beans are bright green and tender.
- When the garlic is done, add it to the bean mixture along with the braising oil.
- Toss to coat the beans thoroughly and season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to a greased casserole, cover and bake for 45 minutes.
Recipe Notes
Feel free to substitute regular green beans for the Italian-style if desired. You can also use thick-cut bacon in place of pancetta ~ just cut back to 2 or 3 strips so the smoke flavor doesn’t overpower the sweet garlic.
Have you tried this recipe?Did you add your own special touch? We’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment and a rating to share your thoughts with others.
marta mohan says
I have made these every Thanksgiving for the past 3 or so years. They are delicious! The best green beans ever!
marta mohan says
I have made these every Thanksgiving for the past 3 or so years. They are delicious! The best green beans ever!
Baltisraul says
I used the Kentucky Wonder (Margaret Holmes brand) Italian style flat beans from the can, so I skipped the baking part. I just heated them till they reached a high simmer. I added more thick cut bacon, 9 piece, than the recipe called for above because I made 54oz of flat beans. The garlic really makes a big difference in this fantastic recipe. Next time I will add more sliced garlic. Who knew Kentucky could grow these delicious Italian beans?
Lynne Webb says
I’ll have to look for that brand of beans and give them a try. It’s not always easy to find fresh or frozen. Thanks for letting us know!
Baltisraul says
Lynne,
Margaret Holmes Brand is very popular down here in the South. All her canned veggies have her own spice blend included in them. Their Vidalia Onion & Squash variety is very good and makes for a great quick casserole. They are much like Blue Runner brand on the bean side.