Basil Buttered Beans
A vibrant green bean dish featuring fresh basil and butter, perfect for a quick side that complements both casual and elegant meals with its fresh, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine green beans, chopped onion, chopped celery, and water.
- Cover and cook for 5 minutes or until tender; drain.
- Add melted butter, minced fresh basil, salt, and pepper.
- Stir to coat the beans evenly with the mixture.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using garlic alongside the onion and celery. If fresh basil isn't available, dried basil works well, but reduce the amount to about 1/2 teaspoon. You can also substitute the green beans with asparagus or snap peas for a different twist. To enhance texture, try adding toasted nuts, like almonds, for a crunchy contrast.
Serving Suggestions
These Basil Buttered Beans make a delightful side dish for grilled meats or fish. They pair beautifully with a fresh salad or the No Crust Green Chili Quiche for a light meal. For a more filling option, serve them alongside rice or quinoa, and drizzle with a little lemon juice for added zest.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or a little extra butter to prevent drying out. You can also microwave them in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Basil Buttered Beans contains roughly 64 calories, with 3g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (111% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen green beans can be used in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time since they may cook faster than fresh beans. Add them to the saucepan and cook until heated through, usually about 3-4 minutes.
What can I use instead of butter?
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, margarine or a plant-based butter alternative works well. For a healthier twist, you could use olive oil, which adds a nice flavor and richness to the dish without the saturated fats found in butter.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add a spicy kick to your Basil Buttered Beans, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the butter mixture. You could also sauté some diced jalapeños with the onions and celery for a more intense heat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).