Green Beans Creole
Green Beans Creole is a vibrant, flavorful side dish featuring tender green beans simmered in a savory tomato-based sauce with chopped celery and bell peppers. Perfect for those seeking a spicy, comforting addition to any meal, it pairs well with Southern, Creole, or Cajun cuisines.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Steam green beans over water for 5 minutes, until just tender, or cook frozen beans as package directs.
- Combine the cooked green beans with tomatoes, chopped celery, bell pepper, salt, and crushed red pepper in a large saucepan.
- Heat over medium heat for about 15 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vibrant flavor, consider adding a splash of vinegar or a teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. If fresh green beans aren't available, frozen ones work just fine; just steam them as instructed. For added flavor, try using a pinch of Cajun seasoning or a sprinkle of garlic powder, which complements the dish well.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Green Beans Creole as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Easy Raw Vegetable Salad for added crunch and freshness. You can also sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top before serving for an extra pop of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. This dish can also be enjoyed cold as a salad.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Beans Creole contains roughly 59 calories, with 2g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (198% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 562mg per serving (24% 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 canned green beans instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned green beans for this recipe. However, reduce the cooking time to just heat through since they are already cooked. This can make for a quicker preparation, but fresh beans will provide a better texture and flavor.
What can I substitute for tomatoes in this recipe?
If you prefer a different base than canned tomatoes, try using tomato sauce or diced fresh tomatoes. Alternatively, for a twist, you could use roasted red peppers to give a smoky flavor, or even a can of diced green chilies for some heat.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan, but ensure that the canned tomatoes do not contain any non-vegan additives. You can also enhance the dish with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without any dairy.
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).