Green Beans with Mushrooms - Grønne Bønner

Green Beans with Mushrooms - Grønne Bønner Recipe | Vegetarian Food from Denmark

Region / culture: Denmark | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Green Beans with Mushrooms - Grønne Bønner

Green Beans with Mushrooms, also known as Grønne Bønner, is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the freshness of green beans with the earthy flavor of mushrooms. This recipe is a perfect side dish for any meal and is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

Green Beans with Mushrooms is a classic dish that has been enjoyed for generations. The combination of green beans and mushrooms is a popular one in many cuisines around the world, and this recipe puts a unique twist on the traditional flavors.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) string beans
0.5 tsp sugar
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp white pepper
0.5 lb (227 g) mushrooms -- sliced
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
2 cups light cream
1 lemon -- juice only
bread crumbs
0.25 lb (113 g) almonds -- chopped

How to prepare

Wash and trim the ends of the beans, then boil them until they are tender. Alternatively, you can steam the beans if you prefer. While the beans are cooking, season them with sugar, salt, and pepper. Drain the beans after cooking.
In a saucepan, sauté the mushrooms in butter until they become tender. Once cooled slightly, add the flour and cream to the mushrooms. Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens. Remove the saucepan from the stove and stir in the lemon juice.
Just before serving, combine the cooked beans with the mushroom sauce. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle the top with breadcrumbs and almonds.
Reheat the dish and serve immediately.

Variations

Add cooked bacon or pancetta for a smoky flavor.
Substitute the almonds with toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
Use vegetable broth instead of cream for a lighter version of the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the green beans until they are tender but still have a slight crunch to them.

- Sautéing the mushrooms in butter adds a rich and savory flavor to the dish.

- Adding lemon juice to the mushroom sauce brightens up the flavors and adds a touch of acidity.

- Sprinkling breadcrumbs and almonds on top of the dish before serving adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Green Beans with Mushrooms can be served as a side dish with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or a hearty stew. It pairs well with a glass of white wine or a crisp salad.

Cooking Techniques

Boil or steam the green beans until tender.

- Sauté the mushrooms in butter until tender.

- Thicken the mushroom sauce with flour and cream over low heat.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use frozen green beans if fresh ones are not available.

- Substitute button mushrooms with cremini or shiitake mushrooms for a different flavor.

- Use olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version of the dish.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the green beans and mushroom sauce ahead of time and assemble the dish just before serving. Store the components separately in the refrigerator and reheat before combining.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Green Beans with Mushrooms in a decorative serving dish garnished with fresh herbs or lemon zest for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a variety of main courses, such as roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or a vegetarian quiche. It also goes well with a side of mashed potatoes or a simple green salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Green Beans with Mushrooms in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Green Beans with Mushrooms contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Green Beans with Mushrooms is a low-carb dish, with approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This dish is moderate in fats, with approximately 15 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

Green Beans with Mushrooms is a good source of protein, with approximately 8 grams per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

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

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter and cream) and nuts (almonds), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or nut allergies.

Summary

Green Beans with Mushrooms is a nutritious and delicious dish that is low in carbs, moderate in fats, and a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Green Beans with Mushrooms is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its combination of fresh green beans, savory mushrooms, and creamy sauce, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of wonder. It was during a visit to my dear friend Helene's house in Denmark, many years ago. Helene was known for her culinary skills, and I always admired the way she effortlessly whipped up delicious dishes in her cozy kitchen.

On that particular day, she was preparing a simple yet enticing dish of Green Beans with Mushrooms, or Grønne Bønner as she called it in Danish. As I watched her slicing the fresh green beans and sautéing them with earthy mushrooms, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of excitement. I had never tasted anything quite like it before.

Curious to learn the recipe, I asked Helene how she had come up with such a delightful dish. She chuckled and told me that it was a family recipe passed down through generations. Her grandmother had taught it to her, and now she was sharing it with me.

As she guided me through the cooking process, I was amazed at how simple and yet flavorful the dish turned out to be. The tender green beans, the savory mushrooms, the hint of garlic and herbs – it all came together in perfect harmony. I could hardly wait to try it at home and share it with my own family.

Back in my own kitchen, I carefully followed Helene's instructions, recreating the dish with the same love and care she had shown me. As the aroma of sautéed mushrooms and garlic filled the air, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. This was more than just a recipe – it was a connection to a dear friend and a cherished tradition.

Over the years, I continued to make Green Beans with Mushrooms, adding my own little twists and variations to suit my family's tastes. Sometimes I would sprinkle a bit of Parmesan cheese on top, or toss in some cherry tomatoes for a burst of color. Each time I made the dish, it brought back memories of that day in Helene's kitchen, and I felt grateful for the friendship we shared.

As I shared the recipe with my own grandchildren, I made sure to pass on the story behind it. I wanted them to understand that food is more than just nourishment – it is a way to connect with our loved ones, to carry on traditions, and to create lasting memories.

And so, whenever I make Green Beans with Mushrooms, I think of Helene and the bond we forged over a simple yet delicious dish. I am grateful for the recipe that she shared with me, and for the joy it has brought to my family throughout the years. Food truly is a language of love, and I am grateful to have learned this recipe and its story from a dear friend.