Green bean pudding

Captivating Recipe: Green Bean Casserole with Eggs and Bacon

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Have you ever thought about how a simple ingredient like green beans can become the star of a delicious and healthy meal? Today, I present you with an easy recipe that combines the unmistakable flavor of green beans with the creamy texture of eggs and the irresistible aroma of bacon. This green bean casserole is perfect for lunch or dinner, even on fasting days when you can adapt the ingredients to your preferences.

Green beans are a versatile ingredient, rich in vitamins and minerals, and when prepared as I will show you, they become a hearty and flavorful dish. Whether you use them in soups or as a side dish, green beans retain their nutritional properties and add a splash of color to your plate.

Ingredients

- 500 g green beans
- 4 hard-boiled eggs
- 3 eggs
- 300 ml sour cream
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 100 g bacon (or a vegetarian alternative, if you prefer)

Preparation

1. Preparing the beans: Start with the green beans, which should be cleaned and broken into pieces about 3-4 cm long. Put about 2-3 liters of water in a large pot and add a little salt. Wait for the water to boil, then add the pieces of green beans. It is important not to wash the beans before blanching them, as this step helps preserve their texture and flavors.

2. Blanching the beans: Blanch the beans for 3-4 minutes, ensuring they are covered with water. This process will help the beans cook faster and remain crunchy.

3. Boiling the beans: Drain the beans and put them back in the pot, adding fresh water if necessary. Let them boil for about 45 minutes until they become tender. Now it’s time to take care of the other ingredients.

4. Preparing the bacon: In a skillet, fry the diced bacon until it becomes crispy and releases its fat. Once done, remove it onto a paper towel to absorb the excess fat.

5. Boiling the eggs: Boil 4 eggs for 7-8 minutes to harden them. After boiling, let them cool slightly, then peel and cut them in halves or slices, depending on your preference.

6. Egg mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the other 3 eggs with the sour cream, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, and crushed garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Assembling the casserole: Preheat the oven to 190 degrees Celsius. Grease a baking dish with butter and line it with breadcrumbs. Place a layer of boiled green beans, followed by the halved boiled eggs and then the rest of the beans. Add the crispy bacon on top, then pour the egg and sour cream mixture over it.

8. Baking: Place the dish in the oven and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes until the mixture is well set and beautifully browned on top.

Tips and tricks

- Variations: You can experiment with various types of cheese added to the egg mixture, such as feta or grated mozzarella. These will add extra flavor.
- Serving: This green bean casserole pairs perfectly with a fresh salad of tomatoes and cucumbers or with a light vinaigrette.
- Drinks: A cold lemonade or a glass of light white wine will perfectly complement the meal.

Nutritional benefits

Green beans are an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber, which helps you feel full and maintain digestive health. Eggs provide quality protein, and the sour cream adds creaminess without weighing down the dish.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use frozen beans? Absolutely! Frozen green beans are a convenient option. Just make sure to boil them according to the instructions on the package.
- How can I make the recipe vegetarian? You can replace the bacon with sautéed mushrooms or smoked tofu to keep the rich flavors.
- How long can it be stored? The green bean casserole keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

I hope this green bean casserole recipe inspires you to try it and adapt it to your taste! It’s a dish that combines tradition with innovation, offering you a delicious culinary experience. Enjoy your meal!