Green Bean Pilaf
A vibrant green bean pilaf featuring tender green beans, aromatic rice, and mushrooms, perfect for a nutritious side dish or light main for any meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop the yellow onion.
- Melt butter in a pan.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
- Chop the fresh mushrooms.
- Add mushrooms to the pan and sauté with the onions.
- Add dried tarragon and long grain rice.
- Cook over low heat, stirring constantly for 3 minutes.
- Stir in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Wash and trim green beans into 1-inch pieces.
- Cook green beans in water with a little salt for 10 minutes.
- Drain the green beans.
- Gently fold green beans into the cooked rice mixture.
- Add salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can substitute fresh tarragon with dried thyme if necessary. If you prefer a heartier dish, feel free to add cooked chicken or nuts. Make sure to rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch, which will help achieve a fluffier texture. For a more vibrant color, try adding sliced bell peppers.
Serving Suggestions
This Green Bean Pilaf pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes like Saffron Rice With Currants or grilled chicken dishes. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For a more filling option, consider serving with Pine Nut Crusted Chicken. Garnish with fresh herbs for an appealing presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the pilaf in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a covered dish, adding moisture as needed to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Bean Pilaf contains roughly 1206 calories, with 40g protein, 238g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (172% of the Daily Value), protein (80% of the Daily Value), and calcium (77% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 889mg per serving (39% 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 green beans instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen green beans can be used in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the rice mixture. They may require slightly less cooking time, so adjust accordingly to maintain a crisp texture.
How can I make this dish vegan?
To make this pilaf vegan, substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative. Additionally, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a rich flavor without animal products. This will ensure the dish remains delicious while accommodating a vegan diet.
What can I do if my rice is overcooked?
If your rice ends up overcooked and mushy, try fluffing it gently with a fork and mixing in some fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavor. Adding a handful of nuts or seeds can also help create a more interesting texture.
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).