Tired of the same old side dishes? Craving something healthy, flavorful, and effortlessly easy? Then look no further! This slow cooker green bean recipe is your answer. It transforms simple green beans into a tender, subtly sweet, and perfectly seasoned side dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts. It's one of those healthy meals that tastes so good, everyone will ask for seconds. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its simplest and most delicious!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or maple syrup for a refined sugar-free option)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
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Prep the Green Beans: Wash and trim the ends off your fresh green beans. You can snap them off easily by bending the bean until it naturally breaks. No need for fancy tools!
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Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker, combine the trimmed green beans, chicken broth, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to ensure the beans are evenly coated.
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Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the green beans are tender-crisp. You want them to be cooked through but still retain a slight bite. Overcooked green beans can become mushy, so keep an eye on them during the last hour.
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Serve: Once cooked, gently stir the green beans and serve them warm. They're delicious as is, but you can also add a sprinkle of toasted almonds or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra flavor and texture.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Green Beans:
- Don't overcrowd the slow cooker: Ensure there's enough space for the green beans to cook evenly. If you have a large quantity, you might need to cook them in batches.
- Taste and adjust seasonings: Once the green beans are cooked, taste them and adjust the seasonings to your preference. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or balsamic vinegar, depending on your taste.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to experiment by adding other vegetables like sliced carrots, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms to the slow cooker along with the green beans. This is a great way to sneak in extra veggies!
Delicious Variations:
- Spicy Green Beans: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Lemon Herb Green Beans: Add the zest and juice of one lemon, along with 1 teaspoon of dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for a bright and herbaceous flavor.
- Garlic Lover's Green Beans: Increase the garlic powder to 1 ½ teaspoons or add a few minced cloves of fresh garlic for a more intense garlic flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 100-120
- Fat: 5-7g
- Protein: 3-4g
- Carbohydrates: 10-12g
- Fiber: 3-4g
This easy slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and provides a healthy, flavorful side dish that the whole family will enjoy. It's a great addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and best recipes! Enjoy!