From Grandma's Kitchen - The Food of the Haymakers

Name: From Grandma's Kitchen - The Food of the Haymakers - Angela N.
Ingredients: 1.5 kg green beans; 4 cloves of garlic; 150 ml olive oil; salt; pepper; allspice; bay leaves; parsley

Season - From Grandma's Kitchen - The Food of the Haymakers by Angela N. - Recipia

From Grandma's Kitchen - The Haymakers' Dish On a warm summer day, I felt the urge to relive a lovely childhood memory when the haymakers in the fields of Transylvania enjoyed a simple yet flavorful meal. This recipe is a true culinary treasure, being an easy-to-make dish that is hearty and perfect for hot days. Without further ado, let's discover together how to prepare a delicious green bean dish, accompanied by a garlic mayonnaise that will turn any meal into a memorable experience. Preparation Time - Prep time: 15 minutes - Cooking time: 25 minutes - Total time: 40 minutes - Servings: 4-6 Ingredients - 1.5 kg fresh green beans - 4 cloves of garlic - 150 ml olive oil (or sunflower oil, if you prefer) - Salt, to taste - Whole peppercorns, to taste - Whole allspice, to taste - 2-3 bay leaves - Fresh parsley leaves, for garnish For the garlic mayonnaise: - 4 cloves of garlic - 100 ml olive oil - 1-2 tablespoons of low-fat yogurt (optional, to adjust consistency) - A pinch of salt Step by Step 1. Preparing the beans: Start by washing the green beans thoroughly under cold running water. Trim the ends of each pod and cut them into pieces about 3-5 cm long. This dish is best made with fresh beans, but if you don't have any on hand, you can also use frozen beans. 2. Boiling the beans: In a large pot, add cold water and bring the beans to a boil. Add salt, a few whole peppercorns, allspice, and bay leaves. Boil the beans for about 15-20 minutes until they are tender but not mushy. It's important to keep a slightly crunchy texture, which will add a pleasant contrast to the dish. 3. Draining the beans: Once the beans are cooked, drain them well and set them aside. Make sure there is no excess water left, as this can dilute the flavors. 4. Sautéing the beans: In a large skillet, heat 50 ml of olive oil over medium heat. Add the drained beans and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will enhance the flavor and intensify the aroma of the beans. 5. Preparing the garlic mayonnaise: In a bowl, crush the 4 cloves of garlic and add a pinch of salt. Use a spatula or a blender to mash the garlic into a smooth paste. Then, gradually add the olive oil while continuing to mix until you achieve a creamy consistency. If the mayonnaise is too thick, thin it out with 1-2 tablespoons of low-fat yogurt for a lighter texture. 6. Serving: Add the garlic mayonnaise over the warm beans just before serving. It's better to serve the mayonnaise in a separate bowl, allowing everyone to add it to their taste. Sprinkle fresh parsley leaves on top for a vibrant look and fresh aroma. Helpful Tips - Variations: If you want to transform this dish, you can add some slices of fried ham, boiled eggs, or a few rounds of fried sausage for a richer and heartier version. - Mayonnaise tip: The more garlic you use, the stronger the flavor will be. Experiment until you reach your desired taste! - Delicious pairings: Serve this dish alongside a slice of homemade, freshly baked bread and a few slices of crispy bacon for a complete experience. A salad of tomatoes and cucumbers will add a refreshing note to the meal. Nutritional Benefits Green beans are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins (A, C, K), and minerals, making them an ideal ally for maintaining digestive health. Garlic is also known for its antibacterial and antioxidant properties, contributing to strengthening the immune system. This dish is not only delicious but also nutritious! A Personal Note I chose to share this recipe out of a deep nostalgia and the desire to bring the culinary traditions of the past into the present. The haymakers' dish is more than just a simple meal; it is a connection to our roots, to moments of relaxation in the shade of trees, in a time when life seemed simpler and filled with joy. Frequently Asked Questions - Can I use frozen beans? Yes, frozen beans are an excellent option. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking. - How can I store green beans? Fresh beans can be kept in the fridge for 3-5 days. You can also blanch them and freeze them for later use. - What drinks pair well with this dish? Sparkling water or a cold mint tea pairs perfectly with this meal. Enjoy the haymakers' dish, a simple yet love-filled recipe that will teach you to appreciate the authentic taste of quality ingredients!

Preparation

1. Wash, clean, and cut the green beans and put them to boil in cold water with added salt, whole peppercorns, allspice berries, and 2-3 bay leaves. 2. After the beans are boiled, drain them and sauté in 50 ml of oil for 5 minutes. 3. Finally, add garlic mayonnaise and garnish with chopped parsley leaves. For the garlic mayonnaise, crush the garlic cloves, add a pinch of salt, and mash. Then gradually add 100 ml of olive oil until you achieve a thick, whitish, and spicy mayonnaise. If it is too thick, dilute it with 1-2 tablespoons of low-fat yogurt. Add the garlic mayonnaise only at the time of serving and use a small amount. It is preferable to bring it to the table in a dish from which everyone can serve themselves as desired. Traditionally, the more garlic, the tastier it is. For those who do not eat light, they can add 1-2 slices of fried ham, egg, or sausage.

From Grandma's Kitchen - The Food of the Haymakers

Preparation

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