Are you looking for a simple yet delicious side dish that comes together in minutes? Look no further! This recipe transforms humble canned green beans into a flavorful and satisfying accompaniment to any meal. Forget the bland, boiled green beans of your childhood – this recipe is bursting with fresh herbs and a touch of zing. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any occasion where you need a quick and healthy meal option. This recipe is a testament to how even the simplest ingredients can create a delicious and impressive dish with a little creativity and homemade flair. Let's dive in!
Ingredients:
- 1 (15-ounce) can of green beans, drained
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small shallot, minced (or 1/2 small onion, minced)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
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Melt the butter: In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
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Sauté the aromatics: Add the minced shallot (or onion) and sauté for about 2 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
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Add the green beans: Add the drained canned green beans to the skillet and stir to combine with the butter and aromatics.
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Simmer in broth: Pour in the chicken (or vegetable) broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the green beans simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and slightly tender.
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Stir in the remaining ingredients: Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper.
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Serve immediately: Serve the green beans warm as a delicious side dish. They are fantastic alongside roasted chicken, grilled fish, or pork chops.
Cooking Tips for the Best Canned Green Bean Recipe:
- Don't overcook the green beans: Overcooked green beans can become mushy. Aim for slightly tender-crisp.
- Adjust seasonings to taste: Feel free to add more or less salt, pepper, lemon juice, or herbs depending on your preferences.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic.
- Use fresh herbs whenever possible: Fresh herbs provide a much brighter and more intense flavor than dried herbs.
Variations:
- Roasted Garlic Green Beans: Roast a head of garlic before mincing it for an extra layer of flavor.
- Toasted Almond Green Beans: Add 1/4 cup of toasted slivered almonds for a delightful crunch.
- Bacon Green Beans: Crumble cooked bacon into the skillet during the last minute of cooking for a savory and smoky twist.
- Creamy Green Beans: Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream or crème fraîche at the end for a richer, creamier dish.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 100-120
- Fat: 6-8g
- Protein: 2-3g
- Carbohydrates: 8-10g
- Fiber: 2-3g
This recipe proves that easy recipes can also be healthy meals and delicious dishes. Enjoy this simple yet flavorful side dish, perfect for a quick dinner idea or a more elaborate meal. It's a testament to how homemade cooking can elevate even the most basic ingredients. This is truly one of the best recipes for canned green beans you’ll find!