Are you craving the comforting flavors of classic green bean casserole but want a lighter, dairy-free version? This recipe delivers all the deliciousness you love without the cream of mushroom soup! It's a perfect side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any weeknight dinner when you want a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal. This homemade green bean casserole is surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks, and offers a delicious twist on a traditional favorite. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this creamy, dreamy, and completely milk-free delight!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup cashew cream (or other dairy-free cream alternative)
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavor)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup crispy fried onions (or make your own!)
Instructions:
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Steam the Green Beans: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and steam until tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Drain well and set aside. Don't overcook; you want them to retain a slight bite.
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Sauté Aromatics: While the green beans are steaming, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Create the Sauce: Pour in the vegetable broth, cashew cream, nutritional yeast, soy sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
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Combine and Bake: Add the steamed green beans to the skillet and gently stir to coat them evenly in the creamy sauce. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
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Top and Bake: Sprinkle the crispy fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly, and the onions are golden brown.
Tips for the Best Green Bean Casserole:
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Fresh Green Beans are Best: While frozen green beans work in a pinch, fresh green beans offer a superior flavor and texture.
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Don't Overcook: Overcooked green beans will be mushy. Aim for tender-crisp.
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Homemade Cashew Cream: For the creamiest cashew cream, soak raw cashews in hot water for at least 30 minutes before blending them with water until smooth.
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Crispy Fried Onions: For extra crispy fried onions, you can make your own by thinly slicing onions and frying them in oil until golden brown.
Variations:
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Mushroom Lovers: Add 1 cup of sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
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Herbs and Spices: Experiment with different herbs and spices like rosemary, sage, or paprika.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Fat: 10-15g
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Fiber: 5-7g
This dairy-free green bean casserole is a delicious and healthy side dish that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!