Braised Green Beans Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it transforms humble green beans into a comforting dish that’s bursting with flavor and color. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners while still feeling fresh and homemade.

I adore this Braised Green Beans recipe. It lets me convert fresh beans from the garden into a dish that’s far more than fondly reminiscent of my mother’s boiled and buttered beans.

Mama, bless her heart, meant well. But as she did with many vegetables in her repertoire, she overcooked them.

Ingredients

Green Beans:
High in fiber, and vitamins A, C, and K; low-calorie, highly nutritious.

Olive Oil:
Fats that are good for the heart, amplify taste, are full of antioxidants.

Onion:
Provides sweetness, incorporates vitamin C and antioxidants.

Garlic:
Strengthens the immune system, deliciously complex, teeming with allicin.

Tomatoes:
Lycopene is what gives tomatoes their red color.

Dietary lycopene has been associated with a reduced risk of some cancers and several chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease and age-related macular degeneration.

Broth:
Enhances taste, low-calorie foundation, adds dampness.

Lemon Juice:
Lifts dish with brightness and acidity; provides vitamin C.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

2. Add the onion, cut into slices, and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.

3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.

4. Add the green beans to the pan and toss them to coat them with the oil, onions, and garlic.

5. Incorporate the diced tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, salt, black pepper, and, if you’re using it, red pepper flakes.

6. The mixture should be brought to a simmer and then lid should be placed on the skillet.

7. Lower the heat to low and allow the green beans to braise for approximately 20 to 25 minutes. They should be fork-tender, with just enough resistance to ensure they are not mushy.

8. Take off the lid, and if necessary, turn the heat up to medium-high to cook off any extra liquid.

9. Combine the lemon juice well with the green beans by mixing them together.

10. Chopped fresh parsley makes a bright and beautiful garnish. Serve this dish as a light main course or a flavorful side.

Equipment Needed

1. Large skillet with lid
2. Cutting board
3. Chef’s knife
4. Measuring spoons
5. Measuring cup
6. Wooden spoon or spatula
7. Citrus juicer (optional) for lemon juice

FAQ

• Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?Indeed, frozen green beans can be used. However, ensure that you thaw and thoroughly dry the beans prior to usage. When it comes to cooking them, you might find that they require less time than their fresh counterparts.
• Is there a vegetarian alternative for the chicken broth?This recipe can be made vegetarian by replacing the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
• Can I make this recipe spicy?Of course! Just boost the number of red pepper flakes you use to match your level of spice love.
• What can I serve with braised green beans?This dish complements well with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or served atop a bed of rice for a complete meal.
• How do I store leftovers?Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for no more than 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
• Can I add other vegetables to this dish?Certainly! You can enhance both the flavor and texture by incorporating vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots.
• What if I don’t have lemon juice?An alternative is to use a splash of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.

Substitutions and Variations

Olive oil: Use avocado oil or sunflower oil instead for an effect in cooking that’s similar to using olive oil.
Use shallots or leeks for a milder flavor.
Garlic: If fresh garlic is not available, garlic powder can be used; use 1/4 teaspoon per clove.
If necessary, substitute with tomato sauce or tomato puree.
Chicken or vegetable broth: Use water and a bouillon cube for a faster substitute.

Pro Tips

1. Blanch the Green Beans For an even brighter green color and enhanced texture, blanch the green beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before adding them to the skillet. Then transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.

2. Use Fresh Tomatoes for a Burst of Flavor If using fresh tomatoes, you can enhance the dish by roasting them first. Roast halved tomatoes in the oven with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper until they caramelize slightly before dicing and adding to the pan.

3. Infuse the Olive Oil Before starting the recipe, infuse the olive oil with a sprig of rosemary or a bay leaf for a few minutes on low heat. Remove the herbs before adding the onions. This adds a subtle aromatic depth to the dish.

4. Deglaze with Wine After sautéing the onions and garlic, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the green beans. This adds complexity and depth to the flavor profile.

5. Enhance with Nuts For added texture and richness, toast a handful of slivered almonds or pine nuts and sprinkle them over the dish just before serving.