Sue'S Turkish Green Beans
Sue's Turkish Green Beans is a flavorful, hearty dish featuring seasoned ground meat, tender green beans, and aromatic spices, perfect for a comforting meal with bold tastes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large pot, sauté ground meat in butter until it changes color to gray or light brown.
- Add chopped onion and cook until limp.
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes.
- Add green beans and season with salt, pepper, and garlic.
- Cook on the stove until the beans are tender.
- Sprinkle a pinch of sugar over the top and add several pats of butter while beans are cooking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using ground lamb instead of beef. If fresh tomatoes are unavailable, canned tomatoes work well too. Adding a splash of lemon juice at the end can brighten the dish. Adjust the garlic to your preference; roasted garlic can add a beautiful depth. If you want a vegetarian version, substitute the ground meat with lentils or chickpeas to keep it hearty.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with Steamed Yellow Squash And Zucchini for a colorful and nutritious meal. Serve it over rice or alongside crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices. A refreshing Orange Juice Cooler can complement the savory flavors, making it a delightful meal option for family gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. You can also microwave it, covered, until heated through, stirring occasionally for even warming.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sue'S Turkish Green Beans contains roughly 83 calories, with 3g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1793mg per serving (78% 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 canned?
Yes, frozen green beans can be used in place of canned ones. Just make sure to cook them a bit longer until they're tender, as they might require more time to heat through compared to canned beans.
What can I serve with Turkish Green Beans?
These green beans pair well with a variety of dishes. Consider serving them with grilled chicken or lamb for a hearty meal, or as part of a mezze platter along with hummus, olives, and flatbreads for a more traditional Turkish experience.
How can I make this recipe more spicy?
To add some heat, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when sautéing the onions. Alternatively, a dash of cayenne pepper can be stirred in along with the other seasonings to give it a warming kick that complements the dish without overpowering it.
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).