My father always grows green beans. At this time of year, we have an abundance of green beans. Fresh green beans are wonderful, sautéed until bright green. Actually, the “official” method is to blanch them in one pot, then sauté them with a little olive oil and garlic. However, that meant washing two pots…oh no!
So now, I put about 2-3 tablespoons of water in the bottom of a sauté pan with a lid. Then I bring water to boil, drop in the beans, and cover with the lid for 2 minutes. Then I remove the lid and toss, add olive oil, garlic and toss again. This is a busy mom’s one pan version of delicious green beans, fresh and nutritious. In fact, I often set the beans aside in a bowl while I reuse the same pan to quickly cook the meat or other dishes for dinner. For more details, see the Chef-K Italian Style Green Beans Recipe below.
Super Tip: The trick to tasty green beans is to choose beans that are smaller, bright green and firm. Larger beans that are not firm will be stringy and tough. Make sure to cook them just until they are tender but still a little firm.
Italian Style Green Beans
| Serving/s: | Up to 6 |
Ingredients
- 1 lb green beans
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste (1/8 tsp of each to start)
Instructions
- Break off ends of beans and rinse in cold water.
- Bring 3 quarts of water to a boil in a 4-5 quart pot.
- Add the beans and pour in additional water if the beans are not completely covered. Cook until tender but still firm, about 4–5 minutes.
- Drain the beans and place in a serving bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic, and salt and pepper.
Kitchen Tools
- Colander
- 4-5 quart pot
- Garlic press or chef knife and cutting mat
- Medium serving bowl
Shopping List
Pantry
2 Tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste (1/8 tsp of each to start)
Produce
1 lb green beans
1 clove garlic
Nutrition: USDA permitted claim Low Calories, low saturated fat, cholesterol free, low sodium
Per serving: Calories 60, Total Fat 4.5g (7% DV), Saturated Fat 0.5g (2% DV), Trans Fat 0g, Cholesterol 0mg (0% DV), Sodium 55mg (2% DV), Carbohydrates 5g (2% DV), Dietary Fiber 2g (8% DV), Sugars 2g, Protein 1g, Vitamin A 10%, Vitamin C 15%, Calcium 2%, Iron 4%.
