Green Beans Italian-style

Green Beans Italian-Style Recipe | Vegan Food from Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegan diet

Introduction

Green Beans Italian-style is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines fresh green beans with a variety of vegetables and seasonings to create a satisfying and nutritious meal. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

This recipe is inspired by traditional Italian cooking, which emphasizes fresh ingredients and simple preparation methods. Green beans are a staple in Italian cuisine, and are often paired with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs to create a flavorful and satisfying dish. This recipe puts a modern twist on the classic Italian green bean dish, adding vegetarian Canadian bacon and soy Parmesan cheese for a unique and delicious flavor profile.

Ingredients

2 tsp olive oil
0.25 tsp crushed red pepper
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium-sized red onion, quartered and thinly sliced
1 medium-sized red bell pepper, cut into 3-inch strips
3 oz (85 g) vegetarian canadian bacon, diced
2 lb (907 g) fresh green beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
8 oz (227 g) cremini mushrooms, sliced
2 plum tomatoes, diced
3 tbsp vegan soy parmesan cheese
1.5 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried marjoram

How to prepare

Heat oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat.
Add crushed red pepper and sauté for 1 minute.
Add garlic, onion, bell pepper, and bacon, and cook for 3 minutes.
Add green beans and mushrooms, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add tomatoes, soy Parmesan, basil, and marjoram.
Reduce heat to low, and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Substitute different vegetables, such as zucchini or yellow squash, for a different flavor profile.
Use fresh herbs, such as parsley or oregano, for a burst of freshness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cut the green beans into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

- Don't overcook the green beans - they should be tender-crisp, not mushy.

- Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables and seasonings.

- Serve the green beans Italian-style as a side dish or as a main course with a side of pasta or crusty bread.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the green beans Italian-style as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or as a main course with a side of pasta or crusty bread. Pair with a glass of red wine for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the vegetables in olive oil for a rich and flavorful base.

- Cook the green beans until they are tender-crisp for the best texture.

- Stir in the soy Parmesan cheese at the end of cooking for a creamy and cheesy finish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use regular bacon instead of vegetarian Canadian bacon for a meatier flavor.

- Substitute regular Parmesan cheese for the vegan soy Parmesan cheese if desired.

- Use any type of mushrooms you prefer, such as button mushrooms or shiitake mushrooms.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the green beans Italian-style up to a day in advance and reheat before serving.

- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the green beans Italian-style with fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, for a pop of color. - Serve in a decorative serving dish for a beautiful presentation. - Sprinkle with additional soy Parmesan cheese before serving for extra flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the green beans Italian-style with a glass of Chianti or Pinot Grigio for a classic Italian meal.

- Serve with a side of garlic bread or focaccia for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

140

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 18g

- Dietary Fiber: 6g

- Sugars: 7g

Fats

- Total Fat: 5g

- Saturated Fat: 1g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 6g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 20% DV

- Vitamin C: 70% DV

- Calcium: 8% DV

- Iron: 10% DV

Alergens

Contains soy

Summary

This green beans Italian-style recipe is a nutritious and delicious dish that is high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is a great source of protein and is low in calories and saturated fat. However, it does contain soy, so be mindful of any allergies or dietary restrictions.

Summary

Green Beans Italian-style is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This recipe is inspired by traditional Italian cooking and combines fresh green beans with a variety of vegetables and seasonings for a flavorful and satisfying meal. Serve as a side dish or as a main course with a side of pasta or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Green Beans Italian-style. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen. Maria was a wonderful cook, and I always loved spending time with her, watching her prepare delicious meals with such love and care.

On that particular day, Maria was busy chopping fresh vegetables and herbs for a big family dinner. As I sat at the kitchen table, sipping on a cup of tea, my eyes were drawn to a worn and stained recipe card that was propped up on the counter. The words "Green Beans Italian-style" were scrawled across the top in Maria's elegant handwriting.

I couldn't help but ask Maria about the recipe, and she smiled warmly as she told me the story behind it. She explained that the recipe had been passed down to her from her own grandmother, who had learned it from a dear friend many years ago. Maria had made a few tweaks and additions to the original recipe over the years, making it her own special version of Green Beans Italian-style.

As Maria continued to prepare the dish, I watched intently, taking mental notes of each step and ingredient she used. There were fresh green beans, garlic, tomatoes, basil, and a splash of balsamic vinegar that added a tangy sweetness to the dish. The aromas that filled the kitchen were absolutely tantalizing, and I knew that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself.

After dinner, Maria handed me a handwritten copy of the recipe, complete with all of her little tips and tricks for making the perfect Green Beans Italian-style. I thanked her profusely and promised to try it out as soon as I got home.

And try it out I did! I spent the next few days gathering all of the necessary ingredients and preparing my kitchen for the cooking extravaganza. As I chopped, sautéed, and simmered, I could feel Maria's presence with me, guiding me through each step with her expert knowledge and wisdom.

Finally, the moment of truth arrived. I plated up a big serving of Green Beans Italian-style and took a hesitant bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth, each bite a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy. I closed my eyes and savored the moment, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

From that day on, Green Beans Italian-style became a staple in my recipe repertoire. I would make it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and even just for myself on quiet evenings at home. Each time I prepared the dish, I would think of Maria and the special bond we shared over our love of cooking and sharing recipes.

As time passed, I continued to add my own twists and variations to the recipe, making it truly my own. I would use different herbs, experiment with different types of tomatoes, and even throw in some pancetta for an extra kick of flavor. But no matter how many changes I made, the essence of the dish remained the same - a taste of Italy that brought me back to that warm summer day in Maria's kitchen.

And so, dear reader, I invite you to try out this recipe for Green Beans Italian-style for yourself. Let the flavors transport you to the sun-drenched hills of Tuscany, where the air is filled with the scent of fresh herbs and ripe tomatoes. And as you savor each bite, remember the love and tradition that went into creating this dish, passed down through generations and shared with you now. Buon appetito!