German Green Beans

This is not one of my family recipes although it might have been. I found it in a library cookbook some time ago, and it intrigued me enough I had to try it. The sweet-and-sour flavors will remind you of good old German potato salad. This is a unusual and good side-dish. Try serving it with cold cuts.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 4  cups green beans, cut in 1-inch lengths (1 pound)
• 4  slices bacon
• 1 1⁄2 tablespoons flour
• 2  tablespoons sugar
• 2  tablespoons vinegar
• 2  tablespoons  chopped onions
• 1⁄4 teaspoon  dill seed
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
• 2  cups  cooked diced new potatoes

Directions

1. Cook beans in boiling salted water until just tender; drain reserving liquid. Cook bacon until crisp; drain, reserving fat.
2. Return 2 tablespoons bacon fat to skillet. Blend in flour and sugar. Add vinegar and 1 cup bean liquid (adding water if necessary to make 1 cup). Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture is thickened and comes to a boil. Add onion, dill seeds, salt and pepper and cook for a minute or two.
3. Combine green beans and potatoes in saucepan. Add sauce and heat just until potatoes and beans are hot, stirring occasionally.
4. Serve at once, or keep warm in oven until mealtime. Spoon into serving dish and top with bacon.