Beans with bacon and sour cream
I made this recipe on a day when I wanted something quick and filling. The beans were already in the pantry, the smoked bacon was in the fridge, and the rest of the ingredients are never missing from the kitchen. Every time I cook this combination, things come together quickly, and the result is clear, straightforward, and without unnecessary complications.
Quick Info
Total time: 30 minutes
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Servings: 2-3
Difficulty: easy
Recipe type: lunch or dinner, quick
Ingredients
200 g smoked bacon
1 medium onion
2 cloves of garlic
1 can of red beans (approx. 400 g, drained)
3-4 tablespoons sour cream
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Chopped fresh parsley
Salt, to taste
Preparation method
1. Slice the bacon thinly or as you prefer. Place it in a hot pan without additional oil and let it brown well. Don’t stir too often to allow it to form a crust.
2. Remove the fried bacon to a plate and cover it to keep it warm. Keep the fat in the pan.
3. In the same pan, add the finely chopped onion and sliced or chopped garlic, according to preference. Sauté for a few minutes until golden but not dry.
4. Drain the beans and rinse them under cold water. Add the beans to the pan with the onion and garlic, stir and let it cook for 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the fried bacon back over the beans. Add the lemon juice and salt to taste. Gently stir and let everything heat well for another 5-10 minutes on low heat.
6. Towards the end, incorporate the sour cream and chopped parsley. Turn off the heat as soon as a creamy sauce forms.
7. Serve warm with fresh bread.
Why I make this recipe often
This recipe is ready very quickly and doesn’t require planning. It’s easy to adapt to what you have at home. It helps me when I need something filling without dirtying too many dishes. Plus, at the table, everything gets finished, and nothing is left.
Tips and variations
Tips
- If the canned beans are salty, adjust the salt at the end.
- Don’t cook the bacon too long, or it will become tough.
- Don’t let the sour cream boil too long, or it may curdle.
Substitutions
- You can use white beans instead of red if that’s what you have.
- The sour cream can be replaced with full-fat yogurt for a lighter result, but the taste will differ.
- If you don’t have smoked bacon, you can use regular bacon, but the flavor won’t be the same.
Variations
- If you want, you can also add finely chopped bell pepper along with the onion.
- For a spicier version, add a bit of hot pepper or paprika to the onion.
- A sprig of dill gives a different flavor if you don’t have parsley.
Serving ideas
- It can be eaten simply, with homemade bread or baguette.
- It goes well with pickles if you like that combination.
- It can also be a side dish, but generally, it’s filling enough to be a main course.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use raw or dried beans?
For the quick recipe, canned beans are needed. If you want to use dried beans, they need to be boiled beforehand, which increases the cooking time significantly.
How salty is the dish with smoked bacon?
It depends on the bacon and how salty the canned beans are. Taste at the end and adjust.
Can it be made without sour cream?
Yes, but the sauce won’t be as creamy. You can try using full-fat yogurt or skip it, but the texture will be different.
Can the sour cream be added from the beginning?
I don’t recommend it. If it boils too much, there’s a risk it may curdle. It’s safer to add it at the end after removing the pan from the heat.
Nutritional values
Estimation for one serving (out of 3):
Calories: 350-400 kcal
Proteins: 15-17 g
Carbohydrates: 25-28 g
Fats: 21-23 g
Values are approximate and may vary based on the brand of ingredients and the exact amount of sour cream used.
Storage and reheating
If there are leftovers, it can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Reheat on low heat, possibly with a tablespoon of water or milk, to prevent sticking. I do not recommend storing for more than a day – the taste and texture change, and the sour cream may separate upon reheating.
Ingredients: 200g smoked ribs, one onion, 2 cloves of garlic, one can of red beans, chopped fresh parsley, juice of 1/2 lemon, 3-4 tablespoons of sour cream
