Pia'S Italian Country Beans
A vibrant Italian side dish featuring crisp green beans sautéed with garlic, ham, and fresh parsley in a savory broth, perfect for casual gatherings and family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add green beans and sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes until glossy and well coated.
- Pour in beef broth and cook until the beans are just tender-crisp.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and chopped ham; serve.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. If you don't have beef broth, chicken broth or vegetable broth works as a great substitute. Using fresh green beans will yield the best texture, but frozen ones can also be used if fresh are unavailable. Always taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Pia's Italian Country Beans as a delicious side dish to grilled meats or alongside Italian recipes like Pasta 'N Beef In Mustard Cream Sauce. They pair well with a fresh green salad and crusty bread to soak up any remaining broth. Garnish with extra parsley for a fresh touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of broth or water if they seem dry. This dish can also be enjoyed cold in a salad.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pia'S Italian Country Beans contains roughly 238 calories, with 6g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. It also contributes 5g 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 make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by replacing the beef broth with vegetable broth and omitting the ham or prosciutto. You might also add some sautéed mushrooms for an extra depth of flavor.
What can I serve with Pia's Italian Country Beans?
These beans complement a variety of main dishes, particularly Italian-style proteins like grilled chicken or fish. They also pair wonderfully with hearty dishes like Wilma's Meatballs or can be served over a bed of gourmet-basmati rice-risotto for a complete meal.
How do I know when the green beans are cooked properly?
The green beans should be tender-crisp when done, meaning they should be bright green and still have a slight crunch. If you prefer them softer, cook them a few minutes longer, but be careful not to overcook as they can become mushy.
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).