String Beans

Slow-cooked string beans and potatoes in a seasoned broth. Lemon Pepper Mix goes in late so it stays bright.

You'll need: Dutch oven

Ingredients

• 4 slices bacon, chopped (optional)
• 1 smoked turkey wing, about 1 lb (optional)
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter or ghee, if skipping the bacon
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp Mama Nina Mix, for the onion and broth
• 3 cups unsalted or low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 lb fresh green beans, trimmed, snapped into 2-inch pieces
• 1 lb small red or Yukon Gold potatoes, halved, quartered if large
• 3 tbsp Lemon Pepper Mix
• 2 tsp apple cider vinegar, to finish
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, use if skipping the turkey (optional)

Method

1. Cook the bacon in the Dutch oven over medium heat until crisp, 6–8 minutes. Add the onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Tip: No bacon? Melt the butter and start with the onion.
2. Stir in the 2 tbsp Mama Nina Mix and cook 30 seconds. Tip: The Mix blooms in the fat. That is where the flavor starts.
3. Add the broth and the turkey wing. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer 30 minutes. Tip: No turkey? Add the smoked paprika here and simmer just 10 minutes.
4. Add the green beans and potatoes. Stir so they sit in the broth. Tip: The broth should come about halfway up. Add a splash of water if it doesn't.
5. Cover and simmer on low 25 minutes, until the potatoes are almost tender.
6. Stir in the 3 tbsp Lemon Pepper Mix. Cover and simmer 10–15 minutes more, until the beans are soft and the potatoes are tender. Tip: The Lemon Pepper goes in late on purpose. Its lemon tang keeps potatoes firm if it goes in too early.
7. Pull the meat off the wing and stir it back in. Throw out the skin and bones.
8. Take the pot off the heat and stir in the 2 tsp apple cider vinegar. Serve hot with some of the pot liquor. Tip: A splash of vinegar at the end wakes up the flavor the way salt would.

Also works in: Crock pot: low 6–8 hours. Add the Lemon Pepper Mix for the last 30 minutes.

Good to know: Bacon and smoked turkey are both cured and bring salt. Both are optional.

Don't be salty.