No Fat Green Beans
A simple, flavorful dish of tender green beans cooked with beef bouillon for a savory, low-fat side suitable for any meal or diet-conscious eater.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place green beans and beef bouillon cubes in a Dutch oven or large boiler and cover with water.
- Cook for 2 hours or until the beans are tender.
- Remove the cover and boil on medium-high heat to reduce the liquid, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or diced onions to the water while cooking the green beans. If you want a vegetarian version, use vegetable bouillon cubes instead of beef. Fresh green beans provide a better texture, but frozen green beans are a convenient alternative. You can also experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary for added aromatic flair.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these no-fat green beans as a healthy side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish for a satisfying meal. They also pair beautifully with Cajun Duck for a flavorful contrast. For a complete meal, consider serving with quinoa or brown rice to soak up the delicious broth.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the green beans in a saucepan over medium heat with a splash of water. Cover and steam for a few minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it may lead to soggy beans.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of No Fat Green Beans contains roughly 626 calories, with 9g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is a good source of protein (19% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (18% of the Daily Value), and iron (16% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2583mg per serving (112% of the Daily Value).
* % 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 in this recipe. They are convenient and will cook down similarly to fresh beans. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as frozen beans may take a bit longer to become tender.
How do I know when the green beans are done cooking?
The green beans are done cooking when they are tender but still have a slight bite. You can test them by piercing a bean with a fork. If it goes in easily but is not mushy, they're perfect. Remember, they will continue to cook slightly after you remove them from the heat.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini to the pot for added nutrition and flavor. Just chop them into similar sizes as the green beans to ensure even cooking. Keep in mind that different vegetables may require slight adjustments in cooking time.
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).