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Recipe Tip of the Day
The humble green bean is either loved, condemned, or ridiculed at family and holiday dinners. Despite consumer differences, green beans are actually one of the most popular vegetables in the American diet according to the USDA Economic Research Service. Consumption of green beans average 3.5 to 4.6 pounds per person annually.
In 1955 the traditional green bean casserole that is served for holiday dinners was invented. The recipe was actually developed as a way to increase sales of Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup. Today, over 70 years later, 40 percent of the soup sales still are used for the green bean casserole dish.
During the following decades, many more recipes for green beans have been produced.
Here is a very simple, quick, easy-to-make recipe featuring green beans.
Easy Sweet and Sour Green Beans
3 or 4 slices lean bacon (optional)
12 oz fresh green beans*
1 celery stalk, sliced
1 small onion, diced
2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp dry mustard
Salt to taste
Cook the onion until crisp. Save the bacon fat.
Cook the green beans, celery, and onion in a small amount of salted water. When tender, but still a bit crisp, remove from heat and drain. Pour bacon fat over the beans.
In a small saucepan combine the red wine vinegar, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Mix and heat until hot. Pour mixture over beans and toss to coat.
Add bacon bits if desired.
*Note: Canned or frozen green beans can be substituted. Cook the celery and onion alone and drain. Then add warmed green beans and proceed with the rest of the recipe.
Click here for a great assortment of freeze-dried green beans, dried green bean chips, and more at Amazon.
Author Marilyn Pokorney
Copyright Marilyn Pokorney 2026
