Tired of the same old side dishes? Craving something fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor? Look no further! This simple recipe for green beans with tomatoes is the perfect solution. It's a delicious, healthy, and incredibly easy dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or as a delightful accompaniment to your favorite grilled meats or poultry. It's a recipe that celebrates the best of summer produce, turning humble green beans into a culinary delight. Get ready to elevate your meal prep game with this amazing recipe!
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
This recipe relies on fresh, high-quality ingredients to deliver maximum flavor. Here's what you'll need:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide to Deliciousness
This recipe is designed to be quick and straightforward, even for beginner cooks. Follow these simple steps and you'll be enjoying a delicious side dish in no time:
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Prep the Veggies: Wash the green beans thoroughly and trim off the ends. Halve the cherry or grape tomatoes if they are large. Thinly slice the red onion. Mince the garlic. Prep work makes the cooking process smoother.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced red onion and sauté for about 3-5 minutes, until softened and slightly translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
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Cook the Green Beans: Add the trimmed green beans to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender-crisp.
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Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the halved tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices, creating a delicious sauce.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the green beans are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve immediately as a delightful side dish.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Green Beans
- Don't overcook the green beans: Overcooked green beans will be mushy and lose their vibrant color and flavor. Aim for tender-crisp.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and oregano to your liking.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes: For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the oregano.
- Use different types of tomatoes: Roma tomatoes, or even canned diced tomatoes can be used in place of cherry tomatoes, although the cooking time may need slight adjustment.
Variations: Get Creative in the Kitchen!
- Add some protein: Toss in some cooked chicken or chickpeas for a more substantial side dish.
- Lemon zest and juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice and some lemon zest add a bright, citrusy note.
- Fresh herbs: Experiment with other fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving - Approximate)
This recipe provides a healthy and delicious side dish. Nutritional information will vary based on specific ingredients used. The approximate values per serving (assuming 4 servings) are:
- Calories: Around 100-120
- Fat: Around 6-8g
- Protein: Around 2-3g
- Carbohydrates: Around 10-12g
- Fiber: Around 3-4g
This green bean and tomato recipe is a testament to simple cooking with incredible results. It’s a healthy, quick, and adaptable side dish that will quickly become a family favorite. Try it today and experience the magic of fresh, flavorful ingredients combined in perfect harmony!