Lo-Cal Italiano String Beans
A light, flavorful Italian-style string beans dish simmered in tomato juice with herbs, perfect as a healthy side or quick vegetable accompaniment.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slowly simmer tomato juice with garlic salt, oregano, parsley, and basil until reduced to half its original volume.
- Add the canned thin sliced string beans and stir.
- Cover the pot and remove from heat.
- Let stand for 2 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider incorporating some sautéed onions or bell peppers into the simmering tomato juice. If you want a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate the flavors. Instead of canned string beans, fresh green beans can be used; just blanch them before adding to the sauce. This dish can also serve as a side for Pasta Aglio-Olie E' Pomidori Freschi.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish warm alongside grilled chicken or fish for a balanced meal. It pairs wonderfully with crusty Bread Machine Italian Bread for soaking up the flavorful sauce. For a complete Italian-inspired dinner, consider adding a side of Vermicelli With Zucchini or a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the string beans on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra tomato juice to prevent sticking. You can also microwave the dish in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lo-Cal Italiano String Beans contains roughly 351 calories, with 13g protein, 89g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (184% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (161% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 541mg 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 fresh string beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh string beans will provide a crispier texture and vibrant flavor. Simply blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before adding to the simmered sauce to ensure they're tender yet still have a nice bite.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this recipe is entirely plant-based and fits perfectly within vegan recipes. Just ensure that the tomato juice you use doesn't contain any animal products, and you're good to go!
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes while simmering the tomato juice or incorporate some diced jalapeños. You can also serve the finished dish with a dash of hot sauce on top for an extra kick.
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).