I can never get enough of green beans cooked this way, and while it’s more common to see them as a BBQ side simmered with bacon or salt pork, this is actually my favorite. An onion, some garlic, and I like a bit of celery too. The flavor comes from apple cider vinegar and smoked paprika. I would love to tell you where I got this recipe, but it’s almost 30 years old, and with so many adds and changes, I honestly have no idea. That said, if you look up smothered green beans, especially Southern-style, you’ll find all kinds of variations on this. I don’t know why I’ve never posted it – but I am making an effort to start to include my older “recipes by rote” so I don’t lose them!

• 1-2lbs fresh green beans, trimmed – I write this with 2lbs in mind since I can eat this by itself for lunch, but if you’re looking for a side only, go with one and halve (to taste)
• 1 onion finally chopped
• 1-2 celery ribs – I like the crunch and earthy taste, but if it’s not your jam, leave it out
• 4-6 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (if you only do 1lb of green beans do ONE tablespoon of flour!)
• 3 1/2 cups chicken stock ( you may need more as it simmers)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme
• 1-2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

In a heavy bottom pot, heat olive oil and sauté onions and celery over medium to low heat. Add garlic and sauté for a minute or so. Add green beans, stir gently to mix with onions, garlic, and oil.

Sprlinkle flour over vegetable mixture, cook for around one minute. Slowly pour chicken stock into the vegetable/flour mixture, pausing to stir to incorporate, around half a cup at a time, until all has been added. Stir in herbs, paprika, salt and pepper. Start on the low side with the salt – you can add more later.

Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover and cook for about an hour. You can drizzle in more stock if it begins to run dry. Check for taste/salt and paprika in particular, add more if desired. Add vinegar and simmer until sauce thickens to preference, taste for seasonings.