Loretta Lynn's Southern Green Beans & Potatoes Aren't Fancy, But They Sure Are Good
Loretta Lynn's Southern Green Beans & New Potatoes
When it comes to iconic country music songstresses, it's always a surprise to discover that their talents extend beyond their music into their kitchens. When singers share their cooking with fans, it brings them a little more down to earth. I mean, who wouldn't want to bake a batch of biscuits with Dolly?
After taking a deeper dive into the life of Honky Tonk Angel Loretta Lynn, I stumbled upon a recipe pulled from her New York Times best-selling cookbook, You’re Cookin’ It Country. The cookbook is filled with dozens of Southern staples, including cornbread, deviled eggs, country ham and fried apples. But I decided to try my hand at one of the simpler recipes, Loretta Lynn’s Southern Green Beans & Potatoes—or just beans and taters for short.
Get the recipe: Loretta Lynn's Southern Green Beans & New Potatoes
Ingredients for Loretta Lynn’s Southern Green Beans & Potatoes
For this easy-to-make down-south comfort food, you’re going to need fresh green beans, hog jowl or bacon (I used beef bacon), new red potatoes, sugar and salt and pepper.
Related: Loretta Lynn's Chicken & Dumplings Is a Comfort Food Classic
Courtesy of Dante Parker
How to Make Loretta Lynn’s Southern Green Beans & Potatoes
My favorite thing about this recipe is that there's nothing fancy about it. Start out by cleaning the green beans and trimming the ends. Once washed and trimmed, break them into 2-inch pieces and add to a large pot of water.
Throw in the jowl or bacon, scrubbed potatoes, sugar, salt and pepper and bring the water to a boil. Cook for about 10 minutes and then reduce the heat. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about an hour and a half, checking occasionally until the beans are soft and fully cooked.
Related: Loretta Lynn's Easy Christmas Cookies Are Holiday Magic
Courtesy of Dante Parker
What I Thought About Loretta Lynn’s Southern Green Beans & Potatoes
The green beans and potatoes tasted...well...just like green beans and potatoes. I think the recipe could have used more seasoning and possibly some stock or meat bone to gain a bit more flavor.
Given that this is a Southern recipe, I expected more of a richer, deeper flavor. I was able to get the green beans and potatoes flavored to my taste preference, but it took adding more seasonings to get there. Only then did I feel like I was truly "Cookin' it Country.” I would make this dish again, but I would put more emphasis on the whole idea of seasoning to taste.
Courtesy of Dante Parker
Tips for Making Loretta Lynn’s Southern Green Beans & Potatoes
Don’t be afraid to add more water to the pot if needed while cooking. And while you're at it, don’t be afraid to add some additional seasoning.
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