Country Vegetable Simmer
A hearty country vegetable simmer that combines fresh green beans, potatoes, and mushrooms with aromatic herbs. This comforting dish is perfect for a wholesome family meal, offering vibrant flavors and textures in every bite. Easy to prepare and full of natural goodness, it suits vegetable lovers and home cooks alike.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. fresh green beans ⓘ
- 4 small new red potatoes, quartered ⓘ
- 2 small onions ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 8 fresh mushrooms, halved ⓘ
- 1 medium ripe tomato, cut up ⓘ
- 1 tsp. basil leaves
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. thyme leaves ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. minced fresh garlic ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 3-quart saucepan, combine green beans, potatoes, and onions. Add enough water to cover the vegetables and bring to a full boil.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are crispy-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Drain the vegetables.
- Return the drained vegetables to the pan.
- Add butter, mushrooms, tomato, basil, salt, pepper, thyme, tomato paste, garlic, and parsley. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through, about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Stir in chopped parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier dish, consider adding some diced bell peppers or zucchini. You can replace the green beans with asparagus or snap peas for a different flavor profile. If you're looking to cut back on fat, use olive oil instead of butter or margarine. This recipe can easily be made vegan by omitting the butter and using vegetable broth instead of water.
Serving Suggestions
This Country Vegetable Simmer pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It also makes a great side dish for barbecues or casual dinners. For a vegetarian option, serve it alongside quinoa or brown rice. Garnish with extra fresh parsley for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the vegetables in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can microwave them in a covered dish for about 2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Country Vegetable Simmer contains roughly 220 calories, with 11g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (147% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (142% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (56% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1951mg per serving (85% of the Daily Value).
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 vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans and potatoes; however, reduce the cooking time by a few minutes since they are typically pre-cooked. Just ensure to drain any excess moisture after cooking.
What can I substitute for fresh parsley?
If you don't have fresh parsley, you can use dried parsley, but use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Alternatively, fresh cilantro or basil can provide a different but flavorful twist.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prep as it keeps well in the fridge and can be easily reheated. Just ensure to cool it completely before storing, and consider portioning it out for easy access during the week.
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).