Light And Easy Green Beans
A light, flavorful green bean dish with garlic, basil, and fresh tomatoes, perfect for a quick, healthy side that complements many meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse the green beans and snap off the ends.
- Drop beans into boiling salted water in a large saucepan and cook uncovered until tender, about 6 to 7 minutes.
- Drain the beans.
- While the beans are cooking, heat butter in a medium frying pan.
- Stir in dried basil, garlic, and pepper.
- Add the peeled and cut tomatoes, turning them lightly to coat.
- Mix the cooked beans with the butter mixture and salt to taste.
Tips & Substitutions
For a fresher taste, consider using fresh basil instead of dried. If you want a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added to the butter mixture. To save time, you can blanch the green beans ahead of time and store them in the fridge. This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a versatile side option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the green beans warm as a side dish to complement grilled meats or vegetarian options. They also pair beautifully with Hot Dill Potato Salad for a complete meal. For added flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving, or toss with toasted nuts for a delightful crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to prevent drying out, or microwave in short intervals until heated through, ensuring they retain their vibrant color and crunch.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Light And Easy Green Beans contains roughly 478 calories, with 1g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 551mg 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 frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans, but be sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking. Adjust the cooking time as frozen beans may require a little less time to become tender compared to fresh beans.
What if I don’t have tomatoes on hand?
If tomatoes are unavailable, you can substitute with bell peppers or zucchini for a different flavor profile. These vegetables will add a nice texture and freshness to the dish as well.
How can I make this dish vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, simply replace butter with a plant-based alternative like olive oil or vegan butter. This way, you can enjoy the same delicious flavors while keeping it plant-based.
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).