Ozark Mountain Green Beans

Ozark Mountain Green Beans

Our family has raised heirloom, little white, half-runner green beans since the 1800’s.  First in the Appalachian Mountains of Wise County Virginia, later in the Ozark Mountains of Taney County Missouri, and finally in Gregg County Texas.

Here is how we prepare and cook a “mess” of green beans in the Ozark Mountain tradition.

Preparing the Green Beans

1. Pick at least two quarts of fresh green beans.
2. Wash the green beans to remove grit from the garden.
3. Drip  dry on a kitchen towel
4. Put green beans in a brown paper grocery bag
5. Place in the refrigerator to cool (cold beans are easier to snap)
6. After cooling, snap both ends of the green beans and remove any strings
7. Snap bean pods in approximately one-inch lengths

Cooking the Green Beans

8. Cut two slices of bacon into two inch pieces
9. Fry bacon in a 3-quart sauce pan until done, but not crisp
10. Add about one inch of water (1 cup) to the sauce pan and bacon
11. Stir to get the bacon lose from the bottom of the pan
12. The intent is to steam, not boil, the green beans)
13. Add snapped green beans (3 pints) into pan
14. Add salt and garlic salt to taste (add diced onion if you like)
15. Stir the green beans to get them coated with the water and bacon grease
16. Add four to six new potatoes on top
17. Add one tablespoon of butter
18. Bring the pan to a boil
19. Cover and reduce heat; simmer until the new potatoes are cooked.
20. Enjoy!

Brad Wyatt 6/1/2020