Green Bean and Onion Casserole

Green Bean and Onion Casserole Recipe from Cuba - Delicious and Easy-to-Make

Region / culture: Cuba | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Green Bean and Onion Casserole is a classic side dish that is perfect for holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners. This creamy and flavorful casserole is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

The Green Bean and Onion Casserole recipe first gained popularity in the 1950s when canned green beans and condensed cream of mushroom soup became pantry staples in American households. It was a convenient and budget-friendly dish that quickly became a favorite for potlucks and family dinners.

Ingredients

2 cans (16 oz each) of drained cut green beans
1 can (10.75 oz) of condensed cream of mushroom soup
0.75 cup of milk
freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 can (6 oz) of french fried onions, divided

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
In a large bowl, combine the green beans, mushroom soup, milk, pepper to taste, and half of the fried onions. Mix well.
Pour the mixture into a 1.5 qt (1.42 liter) ungreased shallow casserole dish.
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 35 to 45 minutes, or until heated through.
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining onions over the top.
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the onions are lightly browned.
If desired, you can easily double this recipe.

Variations

For a healthier version, you can use low-fat or fat-free cream of mushroom soup and omit the fried onions.
You can also add some shredded cheese on top of the casserole for a cheesy twist.
To make it more savory, you can add some garlic powder, onion powder, or Worcestershire sauce to the green bean mixture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to drain the green beans well before mixing them with the other ingredients to prevent the casserole from becoming too watery.

- For a crunchy topping, you can also mix in some breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with the fried onions before sprinkling them on top of the casserole.

- To add some extra flavor, you can also mix in some cooked bacon or diced ham with the green beans and mushroom soup mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Green Bean and Onion Casserole pairs well with roasted turkey, ham, or chicken. It can also be served alongside mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and dinner rolls for a complete holiday meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the casserole in the oven allows the flavors to meld together and the fried onions to become crispy on top. Make sure to bake it until heated through and the onions are lightly browned for the best results.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have canned green beans, you can use fresh or frozen green beans instead. You can also substitute cream of chicken or cream of celery soup for the cream of mushroom soup.

Make Ahead Tips

You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake it. Just make sure to add the fried onions on top right before baking to keep them crispy.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Green Bean and Onion Casserole in a festive casserole dish and garnish with some fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This casserole pairs well with a variety of main dishes, such as roast turkey, ham, or meatloaf. It also goes well with classic holiday sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Green Bean and Onion Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Green Bean and Onion Casserole contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Green Bean and Onion Casserole contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Green Bean and Onion Casserole contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Green Bean and Onion Casserole contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Green beans are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like potassium and manganese.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy and wheat in the form of condensed cream of mushroom soup and fried onions, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Green Bean and Onion Casserole is a delicious and comforting side dish that is relatively low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Green Bean and Onion Casserole is a timeless and comforting side dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture and crispy fried onion topping, it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Green Bean and Onion Casserole. It was a warm summer day, just like today, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha in her quaint little cottage on the outskirts of town. Martha was known far and wide for her incredible cooking skills, and I was always eager to learn new recipes from her.

As we sat in her cozy kitchen, sipping on iced tea and chatting about this and that, Martha suddenly stood up and disappeared into her pantry. She returned with a tattered old cookbook in hand, its pages yellowed with age and stained with splatters of ingredients long forgotten.

"Ah, here it is!" Martha exclaimed, flipping through the pages until she found the recipe she was looking for. "Green Bean and Onion Casserole. A family favorite for generations."

I watched in awe as Martha gathered the ingredients and got to work, effortlessly peeling and slicing onions, blanching green beans, and mixing up a delicious cream sauce. The aroma that filled her kitchen was simply heavenly, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

After the casserole had baked to golden perfection in the oven, Martha served us each a generous scoop on our plates. I took my first bite and instantly knew that this dish would become a staple in my own recipe repertoire.

Over the years, I have made Martha's Green Bean and Onion Casserole countless times, each time tweaking the recipe to suit my own tastes. I've added a dash of garlic here, a sprinkle of cheese there, and even experimented with different types of onions and herbs.

But no matter how I've altered the recipe, the essence of Martha's original creation always shines through. It's a dish that never fails to bring back memories of lazy summer days spent in her kitchen, laughing and sharing stories over a delicious meal.

I've shared this recipe with friends and family, passing it down through the generations just as Martha did with me. And each time I make it, I feel a connection to her and the bond we shared over our love of good food and even better company.

As I sit here now, in my own kitchen, preparing Martha's Green Bean and Onion Casserole for tonight's dinner, I can't help but smile at the thought of how a simple recipe can hold so much meaning and bring people together in ways that words never could.

So here's to you, Martha, wherever you may be. Thank you for sharing your love of cooking with me and inspiring me to create meals that nourish both body and soul. And thank you for this timeless recipe that will forever hold a special place in my heart.