Green Beans Far East
Green Beans Far East is a creamy, savory side dish featuring tender green beans, water chestnuts, and a flavorful sour cream sauce, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the green beans and add the drained, sliced water chestnuts; cook until heated through.
- In a separate pan, cook the chopped onion in butter until tender, but not browned.
- Combine sugar, seasoned salt, vinegar, and pepper with the sour cream, and heat through, avoiding boiling.
- Drain the green beans, place them in a serving bowl, and top with the sour cream mixture.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, use fresh green beans instead of canned for a crunchier texture. If you want to reduce calories, consider using low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt as a substitute. You can also add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers for extra vegetables. A pinch of garlic powder can enhance the dish further without overpowering it.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a balanced meal. It also complements hearty American recipes like Grandma Henrietta Raleigh's Corn Pudding or Barbara's Banana Cake as part of a larger spread. Consider serving with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the green beans in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. You can also microwave them in short intervals, covered, until heated through, ensuring the sour cream mixture is added just before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Beans Far East contains roughly 163 calories, with 5g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of calcium (16% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (13% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1387mg per serving (60% 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 in this recipe. Simply trim and blanch them in boiling water for 3-5 minutes before adding to the dish. This will enhance their flavor and texture, making them a great alternative to canned beans.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this dish vegan, substitute the sour cream with a plant-based alternative like cashew cream or coconut yogurt. Use vegan butter for sautéing the onion, and ensure that the water chestnuts and green beans are canned in water without added preservatives.
What can I add for extra flavor?
For added flavor, consider incorporating fresh herbs like dill or parsley into the sour cream mixture. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the dish. Adding a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes will give it a spicy kick if desired.
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).