Easy Tasty Green Beans
A quick and flavorful side dish featuring tender green beans enhanced with garlic, celery, and optional tomatoes. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe offers a savory, slightly tangy taste that complements a variety of main courses and can be easily customized.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put green beans in a covered bowl using 1/2 cup of juice from the cans.
- Add chopped tomatoes if desired.
- Microwave for 16 to 18 minutes on High.
- After removing from microwave, stir in melted margarine, salt, pepper, minced garlic, and celery.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of soy sauce or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. If you don't have green beans, you can substitute them with frozen ones or even asparagus. To enhance the dish, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick, or use minced shallots instead of garlic. These tips can help you customize your dish perfectly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these green beans as a quick side dish alongside grilled chicken or pork for a balanced meal. They also pair beautifully with Kathy'S Zucchini Relish for added flavor. For a complete dinner, consider serving them with rice or mashed potatoes to soak up any extra sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover green beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave them for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through. For best results, add a little more melted margarine before reheating to maintain moisture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Tasty Green Beans contains roughly 21 calories, with 0g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (10% 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 fresh green beans instead of canned?
Yes, fresh green beans can be used instead of canned. Just blanch them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes before adding them to the bowl. This will help retain their vibrant color and crispness. Adjust the microwave time accordingly, as fresh beans may require less cooking time.
What if I want to make this recipe vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the melted margarine with a plant-based butter or olive oil. Ensure your green beans are canned in water or vegetable broth. This will keep the recipe aligned with vegan recipes while still delivering great flavor.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add diced bell peppers, carrots, or even corn to the dish for a colorful twist. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as necessary, depending on the vegetables you choose to incorporate 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).