Green bean dish

Green bean dish with garlic: a delicious and comforting recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6

One of the most beloved dishes, green bean dish is a perfect choice for a healthy and flavorful meal. This simple recipe brings together fresh, nutrient-rich ingredients and the unmistakable aroma of green garlic, transforming every bite into a true celebration of flavors. Let's discover together how to make this beloved dish, step by step.

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 kg fresh green beans
- 2 medium onions
- 3 carrots
- 1 red bell pepper
- 5 green garlic stalks
- 1 large clove of dried garlic
- 1 can of diced tomatoes in their juice (about 400 g)
- 2 tablespoons red pepper paste
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Thyme, to taste
- A little olive or sunflower oil
- Fresh dill, for garnish

Step 1: Preparing the green beans

Start by cleaning the green beans. Remove the ends and break the beans into pieces about 3-4 cm long, making them easy to eat. Rinse the beans well under cold running water to remove any impurities.

Step 2: Boiling the beans

In a large pot, add about 2 liters of water and a little salt. Place the pot over heat and wait for it to reach a boiling point. Once the water is boiling, add the green beans and cover with a lid. Let them boil on low heat for 10 minutes. This is an important step, as blanching the green beans will keep their crunchy texture.

Step 3: Cooking the vegetables

After 10 minutes, drain the beans and set them aside. In a large pot, add a little oil and sauté the onion, diced bell pepper, and grated or finely chopped carrot. This mixture will provide a flavorful base for the dish. Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes until they become translucent and aromatic.

Step 4: Combining the ingredients

Add the blanched beans to the pot, cover everything with about 1 liter of water, and let it boil. Once the water starts boiling again, add the canned tomatoes with their juice, red pepper paste, thyme, pepper, and salt to taste. Gently shake the pot to mix the ingredients, being careful not to crush the green beans.

Step 5: Finishing the dish

Let it simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine. About 5 minutes before turning off the heat, add the finely chopped green garlic and the crushed or finely chopped clove of dried garlic. This last step will intensify the dish's aroma and provide a fresh and invigorating taste.

Step 6: Serving

Once the dish is ready, sprinkle fresh chopped dill on top and let it cool slightly before serving. This green bean dish is delicious both warm and cold, and pairs perfectly with a slice of fresh bread or polenta.

Serving suggestions:

For an even more special culinary experience, you can accompany the green bean dish with a salad of tomatoes and cucumbers, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. A glass of dry white wine can also perfectly complement summer meals.

Useful tips:

- Choose fresh, firm, and green beans. When selecting them, opt for those that are crunchy to the touch, without spots or soft areas.
- If you want to add extra flavor, you can include a few slices of bacon or smoked sausage while sautéing the vegetables.
- For a vegetarian version, you can replace the pepper paste with tomato paste and add spices like smoked paprika.
- If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the green beans during cooking.

Nutritional benefits:

Green beans are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, rich in fiber, making them ideal for a healthy diet. Additionally, garlic has antimicrobial properties and boosts the immune system. This dish is low in calories, having about 150-200 calories per serving, depending on the oil used.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans, but make sure to thaw them before cooking.

2. How can I adapt the recipe for vegans?
This recipe is already vegan, but you can adjust the spices to your liking.

3. What other ingredients can I add?
You can experiment with grated carrots, zucchini, or even root vegetables for extra flavor.

In conclusion, green bean dish with garlic is not only a simple and quick recipe but also an opportunity to enjoy the fresh flavors of summer. Don't hesitate to try it and share this delicacy with your loved ones!