Chinese String Beans
A savory, creamy green bean casserole with water chestnuts, offering a delightful crunch and rich flavor, perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and water chestnuts.
- Mix well to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding sautéed garlic or onion to the mixture. You can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade white sauce if you prefer a fresher taste. Fresh green beans can also be used instead of canned, just blanch them before mixing. Enhance the texture by adding crispy fried onions on top before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with Grandma Morrison'S Potato Dumplings(Kartoffel Klosse) or a simple grilled protein like chicken or tofu. Serve it alongside rice or noodles for a complete meal. For added color and nutrition, consider a side salad, like Chinese Oriental Pea Salad, for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese String Beans contains roughly 90 calories, with 2g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (66% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g 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 fresh green beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh green beans. Just blanch them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes before mixing them with the other ingredients. This ensures they maintain a nice crunch and fresh flavor.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! You can replace the cream of mushroom soup with a plant-based alternative or make your own using cashews and vegetable broth. Ensure the water chestnuts are also from a vegan source.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Certainly! Feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or corn for added flavor and nutrition. Just ensure they are cut to similar sizes for even cooking.
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).