Green Beans With Marjoram
A simple, flavorful side of tender green beans seasoned with butter and marjoram, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering fresh, herby notes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash green beans, trim ends, remove strings, and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces.
- Bring 3/4 cup water to a boil in a Dutch oven.
- Add green beans to the boiling water, cover, and cook for 8 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Drain the green beans and return them to the pan.
- Add butter, salt, pepper, and dried marjoram to the beans.
- Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes or until the beans are crisp-tender, stirring often.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, choose fresh, vibrant green beans and avoid those that are limp or discolored. You can substitute fresh marjoram with dried oregano if needed, though the flavor will be slightly different. Cooking the beans until they are crisp-tender helps maintain their vibrant color and nutrients. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These green beans make a delightful side dish for grilled meats or roasted chicken, and they pair beautifully with Herbed Garlic Mashed Potatoes. For a complete meal, serve alongside a light salad or crusty bread. They also complement vegetarian recipes well, adding a vibrant and healthy element to any table.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover green beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply steam them for a few minutes or heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a bit of water or butter to help restore moisture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Beans With Marjoram contains roughly 36 calories, with 2g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (105% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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, you can use frozen green beans, but note that they may require a shorter cooking time as they are already blanched. Add them to the boiling water directly and cook until heated through, usually around 5 minutes.
What can I add to enhance the flavor of the green beans?
You can enhance the flavor by adding minced garlic or shallots while cooking. A splash of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can also elevate the dish, giving it an extra kick.
How do I know when the green beans are done cooking?
The green beans are done cooking when they are vibrant green and crisp-tender. You can test them by tasting one; they should have a slight snap without being overly soft. Stirring frequently helps achieve 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).