Pancetta Green Beans

Healthy, hearty, and full of flavor, this side dish is perfect when you’ve got leftover pancetta, chorizo, or Spanish jamón in the fridge. It works beautifully with all three.

Easy to make, delicious every time, and pairs with just about any main. And the best part? Leftovers turn into the most wonderful frittata for lunch the next day.

Save this one, it’s a keeper!

Serves 4 adults

Prep Time: 10 min

Ingredients:

(olive oil, salt and pepper)

• 600g frozen green beans (or 400g fresh green beans, trimmed)

• 130g pancetta, diced

• 3 tablespoons frozen chopped onions (or 1/2 onion finely chopped)

• 1 tablespoon butter

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Method:

1. Place the frozen green beans in a pot and cover with boiling water. Once it returns to a boil, cook for 3–4 minutes, then drain and set aside.(If using fresh beans, trim the ends and boil from cold water for 3–4 minutes instead.)

2. In a large pan, fry the pancetta with a small drizzle of oil over medium heat until crispy.

3. Lower the heat, then add the chopped onions and cook until softened.

4. Add the butter, oregano, and the drained green beans. Season with salt and pepper, then toss gently to coat everything in the buttery, savory mix.

Serving Tips:

Drizzle with a bit of olive oil for extra richness.

Make-Ahead Meal Steps:

After step 3, add all the remaining ingredients to the pan except the butter—but don’t mix. Let everything cool slightly, then cover and place in the fridge until ready to use.

When you're ready to serve, place the pan back on the heat, add the butter, and gently mix everything together. Warm through for a few minutes until heated and glossy.

Seasonal Note:

Green beans start coming into season in late spring and are at their best through summer. But don’t worry if you can’t find fresh ones yet—frozen green beans work just as well in this recipe and are a great staple to keep on hand.

I hope you enjoy this lovely pancetta green beans dish—simple, flavourful, and always a crowd-pleaser! 🥓💚

Happy Cooking!