Summer Herbed Beans
A vibrant, fresh vegetable dish featuring crisp green and yellow beans, fragrant herbs, and tangy feta cheese, perfect for summer gatherings and light meals.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. fresh or canned green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. fresh or canned yellow wax beans, cut into 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. snipped fresh basil or 2 tsp. dried ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. snipped fresh dill weed or 1 tsp. dried ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. melted margarine or butter ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 large tomato, cut in wedges ⓘ
- 1/2 c. crumbled Feta cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Precook beans in a small amount of boiling water for 4 minutes; drain.
- In a small dish, combine melted margarine or butter, basil, dill, salt, and pepper; set aside.
- Pour olive oil into a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat.
- Add partially cooked beans to the skillet and stir-fry about 3 minutes or until crisp-tender.
- Add tomato wedges and the butter herb sauce; heat through.
- Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with crumbled Feta cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or a splash of lemon juice to the herb butter mixture. If fresh herbs aren't available, dried herbs work well too; just adjust the quantities accordingly. You can also substitute green beans with other vegetables like asparagus or snap peas for variety, making this dish versatile for different seasonal veggies. It pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect as a side for grilled chicken or fish, enhancing your summer meals with fresh flavors. Serve it alongside a light salad or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious herb sauce. For a vegetarian option, pair it with Spinach And Dill Rice for a satisfying and colorful plate.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil to keep the beans moist. Alternatively, you can microwave them in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating without overcooking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Summer Herbed Beans contains roughly 300 calories, with 3g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (44% of the Daily Value) and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1898mg per serving (83% 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 beans instead of fresh or canned?
Yes, frozen beans can be used instead of fresh or canned. Just make sure to thaw them first and adjust the cooking time to avoid overcooking. They should still be briefly stir-fried to maintain a crisp texture and vibrant color.
What can I substitute for Feta cheese?
If you're looking for a substitute for Feta cheese, try crumbled goat cheese or a dairy-free alternative like almond feta. Both options will provide a similar tangy flavor, enhancing the dish without sacrificing taste.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is quite flexible. You can incorporate other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or even corn. Just ensure that you cut them into similar sizes and adjust the cooking time so everything cooks evenly.
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).