Green Bean Medley

Green Bean Medley Recipe from Iceland with Peas, Broad Beans, Lemon, and Black Pepper

Region / culture: Iceland | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Green Bean Medley is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the flavors of peas, green beans, and broad beans with a hint of lemon zest and black pepper. This recipe is perfect for a light and refreshing side dish or a healthy main course.

History

The Green Bean Medley recipe has been a popular dish for many years, with variations found in cuisines around the world. The combination of different beans and vegetables provides a colorful and flavorful dish that is both satisfying and nutritious.

Ingredients

200 g of frozen peas from Iceland
180 g of cut green beans from Iceland
240 g of broad beans from Iceland
grated rind of 1 small lemon
freshly ground black pepper

How to prepare

Place the peas in a saucepan and cover them with boiling water. Return to a boil and cook for 2 – 3 minutes. Drain well.
Place the broad beans in a saucepan and cover them with boiling water. Return to a boil and cover for 4 minutes until tender.
Place the cut green beans in a saucepan and cover them with boiling water. Return to a boil and cook for 5 – 6 minutes. Drain well.
Transfer all the vegetables into a large bowl. Add the grated lemon rind and season with freshly ground black pepper.
Mix everything together and serve immediately.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for extra flavor and color.
Top with crumbled feta cheese or toasted nuts for added texture.
Mix in cooked grains such as quinoa or couscous for a heartier dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook each type of bean separately to ensure that they are all cooked to perfection.

- Adding lemon zest and black pepper at the end adds a burst of fresh flavor to the dish.

- Feel free to add other herbs or spices to customize the dish to your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Green Bean Medley can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or as a main course with a side of quinoa or brown rice.

Cooking Techniques

Blanching the beans helps to retain their vibrant color and crisp texture.

- Seasoning with lemon zest and black pepper adds a bright and zesty flavor to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Fresh beans can be used instead of frozen beans, but may require longer cooking time.

- Lime zest can be used in place of lemon zest for a slightly different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Green Bean Medley can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Green Bean Medley in a colorful bowl or platter garnished with fresh herbs or edible flowers for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or tofu, as well as a crisp white wine or sparkling water with a splash of citrus.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Green Bean Medley can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Green Bean Medley contains approximately 120 calories.

Carbohydrates

The Green Bean Medley is a low-carb dish, with approximately 15g of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This dish is low in fat, with only 1g of fat per serving.

Proteins

Green Bean Medley provides a moderate amount of protein, with around 8g per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe is free of common allergens such as nuts, dairy, and gluten.

Summary

Overall, Green Bean Medley is a nutritious and balanced dish that is low in fat and calories while providing a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Green Bean Medley is a simple yet flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a combination of fresh beans, lemon zest, and black pepper, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy this nutritious and delicious recipe today!

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the first time I saw this recipe for Green Bean Medley. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in the countryside. My grandmother, who was an excellent cook, had learned this recipe from her own mother, who had learned it from her mother before her. It was a family recipe that had been passed down through the generations, and I was lucky enough to be the one chosen to learn it next.

I remember the day like it was yesterday. It was a warm summer afternoon, and the sun was shining brightly through the windows of our cozy little kitchen. My grandmother was bustling around, chopping vegetables and stirring pots on the stove. The smell of herbs and spices filled the air, and my mouth watered in anticipation of the delicious meal she was preparing.

"Come here, child," my grandmother called to me. "I want to show you how to make Green Bean Medley. It's a simple dish, but it's one of our family's favorites."

I eagerly made my way over to her side, watching intently as she gathered the ingredients and began to explain the recipe to me. She showed me how to prepare the fresh green beans, snapping off the ends and cutting them into bite-sized pieces. She taught me how to sauté them in a little olive oil until they were tender and slightly caramelized, adding in minced garlic and chopped onions for flavor.

Next, she added in a can of diced tomatoes, along with some dried herbs and spices. She let the mixture simmer on the stove, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a mouthwatering aroma that filled the kitchen. Finally, she stirred in a handful of cooked bacon pieces for an added touch of smoky flavor, and then it was ready to serve.

As we sat down to eat, my grandmother watched me closely, waiting for my reaction. I took a bite of the Green Bean Medley and immediately my taste buds were overwhelmed with a burst of flavors. The tangy tomatoes, the savory bacon, the earthy green beans – it was like nothing I had ever tasted before.

"Delicious, isn't it?" my grandmother asked, a twinkle in her eye.

I nodded enthusiastically, my mouth too full to speak. I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own cooking repertoire, just as it had been in my grandmother's and her mother's before her.

Over the years, I have made Green Bean Medley countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. I have shared it with friends and family, passing on the tradition of this beloved dish to the next generation. And each time I make it, I am reminded of that sunny afternoon in my grandmother's kitchen, learning the secrets of this simple yet delicious recipe.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, preparing Green Bean Medley for my own grandchildren, I can't help but smile. I am grateful for the rich culinary heritage that has been passed down to me, and I am proud to carry on the tradition of this timeless family recipe. As I watch my grandchildren eagerly dig into their plates, I know that this dish will continue to hold a special place in our hearts for generations to come. And I am thankful for the memories and the love that this recipe represents, connecting me to my past and to the loved ones who have come before me.