Green Beans With Tomato Sauce
A vibrant green bean dish simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce with hints of lemon and sugar, perfect for a comforting side suitable for family meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook onion in butter until tender, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add cooked green beans, tomato sauce, sugar, salt, lemon juice, and pepper.
- Heat thoroughly, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider sautéing garlic with the onion. You can substitute fresh green beans with frozen ones; just thaw and drain them before use. If you want a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate the dish. This recipe is flexible, so feel free to use homemade tomato sauce or any store-bought variety you prefer.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish as a side to grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a hearty vegetarian option. A fresh salad, like a Red, White & Blue Layer Salad, complements the flavors well. For an extra touch, garnish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or basil.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover green beans with tomato sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much during storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Beans With Tomato Sauce contains roughly 57 calories, with 1g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 911mg per serving (40% 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 cooked ones?
Yes, you can use fresh green beans! Just blanch them in boiling water for 3-5 minutes until tender, then drain and add them to the dish as directed. This will enhance the freshness and texture of the dish.
What can I substitute for tomato sauce?
If you don't have tomato sauce on hand, you can use crushed tomatoes or tomato puree as an alternative. For a richer flavor, mix in a tablespoon of tomato paste, adjusting the sweetness with a little extra sugar if needed.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep. Prepare it in advance and portion it out for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just be sure to store it in sealed containers to maintain freshness.
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).