Green beans with Butter and Breadcrumbs

Green Beans with Butter and Breadcrumbs Recipe from Moldova and Romania

Region / culture: Moldova, Romania | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Green beans with butter and breadcrumbs is a simple yet delicious side dish that is perfect for any meal. The combination of tender green beans, savory butter, and crunchy breadcrumbs creates a dish that is both comforting and satisfying.

History

Green beans with butter and breadcrumbs is a classic dish that has been enjoyed for generations. The recipe likely originated in Europe, where butter and breadcrumbs are commonly used in cooking to add flavor and texture to dishes. Over time, this dish has become a staple in many households and is often served as a side dish during family meals and holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

2 lb / 1 kg green beans
3 tbsp butter
2 tbsp bread crumbs
2 cloves minced garlic (optional)
salt

How to prepare

Clean and wash the beans, then boil them in salted water.
Melt the butter in a pan and fry the bread crumbs and minced garlic.
Add the drained beans, salt, and shake the pan a few times to mix the beans with the bread crumbs and butter.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, you can use olive oil instead of butter.
Add chopped herbs such as parsley or thyme for extra flavor.
Try adding lemon zest or juice for a citrusy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the green beans until they are tender but still slightly crisp. Overcooked green beans can become mushy and lose their vibrant color.

- To add extra flavor, try sautéing the garlic in the butter before adding the breadcrumbs.

- For a more indulgent dish, you can add grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs mixture before adding the green beans.

Serving Suggestions

Green beans with butter and breadcrumbs pairs well with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or steak. It can also be served alongside mashed potatoes or rice for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the green beans until tender and then sautéing them with butter and breadcrumbs ensures that the beans are cooked through and coated in a flavorful mixture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have breadcrumbs on hand, you can use crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs as a substitute. You can also use frozen green beans instead of fresh.

Make Ahead Tips

You can blanch the green beans ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook them. The breadcrumbs mixture can also be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the green beans with butter and breadcrumbs in a decorative serving dish garnished with fresh herbs or lemon wedges for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with sparkling water infused with lemon or cucumber.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover green beans with butter and breadcrumbs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or reheat on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of green beans with butter and breadcrumbs contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Green beans are a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for the body. One serving of green beans with butter and breadcrumbs contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Butter is the main source of fat in this dish, providing richness and flavor. One serving of green beans with butter and breadcrumbs contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Green beans are also a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. One serving of green beans with butter and breadcrumbs contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Green beans are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. These nutrients are important for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter) and gluten (breadcrumbs), so it may not be suitable for individuals with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Green beans with butter and breadcrumbs is a nutritious and delicious side dish that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a great addition to any meal and can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Summary

Green beans with butter and breadcrumbs is a classic side dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With simple ingredients and a few cooking techniques, you can create a dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy this delicious and nutritious dish as part of your next meal!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Green Beans with Butter and Breadcrumbs. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the countryside with my family. My grandmother, who was an excellent cook, had passed down her love for cooking to me, and I was always eager to learn new recipes and techniques from her.

One summer day, while helping my grandmother in the garden, she handed me a handful of fresh green beans and told me to prepare them for dinner. I had never cooked green beans before, so I was a little unsure of what to do. But my grandmother reassured me and told me that she had a special recipe that she wanted to teach me.

We went back to the kitchen, and my grandmother began to show me how to cook the green beans. She started by trimming the ends and cutting them into bite-sized pieces. Then, she boiled them in salted water until they were tender but still crisp. While the green beans were cooking, she melted some butter in a pan and added a handful of breadcrumbs, toasting them until they were golden brown and fragrant.

Once the green beans were cooked, my grandmother drained them and added them to the butter and breadcrumbs, tossing everything together until the beans were coated in the delicious mixture. She sprinkled a little more salt and pepper over the top, and then served the green beans piping hot.

I took a bite and was immediately blown away by the flavors. The butter added a rich and creamy taste, while the breadcrumbs gave the green beans a crunchy texture. It was a simple dish, but it was packed full of flavor and left me wanting more.

From that day on, Green Beans with Butter and Breadcrumbs became a staple in our household. My grandmother would make it for us often, especially during the summer when the green beans were in season. It was a dish that always brought a smile to our faces and reminded us of the simple pleasures of homecooked meals.

As I grew older and started my own family, I continued to make Green Beans with Butter and Breadcrumbs for them. I would often think back to that summer day when my grandmother first taught me the recipe, and how it had sparked my love for cooking. I shared the recipe with my own children, passing down the tradition of delicious homecooked meals from generation to generation.

Over the years, I have collected many recipes from various places and people, but Green Beans with Butter and Breadcrumbs will always hold a special place in my heart. It is a recipe that reminds me of the bond between my grandmother and me, and the joy that comes from sharing a delicious meal with loved ones.

So whenever I make Green Beans with Butter and Breadcrumbs, I am transported back to that summer day in the countryside, learning from my grandmother and falling in love with the art of cooking. And I know that as long as I continue to cook and share this recipe with others, her memory will live on forever in my kitchen.