Hen with Green Beans

Introduction

History

This recipe has been passed down through generations in many families, with each cook adding their own unique twist to the dish. The combination of hen, green beans, and tomatoes creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is both comforting and satisfying.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to fry the hen pieces until they are golden brown to enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Adding a teaspoon of flour helps to thicken the sauce and create a rich and flavorful base for the dish.

- Covering the pan while simmering allows the flavors to meld together and creates a tender and juicy hen.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Hen with Green Beans with a side of crusty bread or fluffy rice for a complete and satisfying meal. You can also pair it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for added nutrition.

Cooking Techniques

Make sure to fry the hen pieces until they are golden brown to enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Cover the pan while simmering to allow the flavors to meld together and create a tender and juicy hen.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use chicken or turkey instead of hen for a different variation of the dish.

- Substitute lard with olive oil or butter for a healthier alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Hen with Green Beans in a large serving dish and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a pop of color. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Hen with Green Beans with a light and refreshing white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. You can also serve it with a glass of sparkling water or lemonade for a non-alcoholic option.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the dish in the oven or on the stovetop until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Hen with Green Beans contains approximately 350 calories, making it a moderate calorie meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in this dish primarily come from the green beans and tomatoes. Green beans are a good source of fiber and provide a healthy dose of complex carbohydrates, while tomatoes add natural sweetness and a boost of vitamins and minerals.

Fats

The fats in this dish come from the lard used for frying the hen. While lard is high in saturated fats, it adds a rich and savory flavor to the dish. To reduce the fat content, you can use a healthier oil alternative for frying.

Proteins

Hen is a lean source of protein that is essential for muscle growth and repair. This dish provides a good amount of protein from the hen meat, making it a satisfying and filling meal.

Vitamins and minerals

Green beans are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like potassium and manganese. Tomatoes are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. This dish is packed with essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health.

Alergens

This recipe contains lard, which may be a potential allergen for some individuals. If you have a lard allergy, you can substitute it with a different cooking fat like olive oil or butter.

Summary

Overall, Hen with Green Beans is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a wholesome dish that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.

Summary

Hen with Green Beans is a classic and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. With its tender hen meat, fresh green beans, and flavorful tomatoes, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy this delicious and nutritious meal with your loved ones today!

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly remember the moment I discovered this recipe for Hen with Green Beans. It was back in the summer of 1965, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in the countryside. My grandmother, who was an excellent cook, had invited me to help her prepare dinner for the family that evening.

As we stood in the kitchen, surrounded by the warm glow of the afternoon sun streaming through the window, my grandmother began to rummage through her old recipe book. She pulled out a faded and tattered piece of paper, covered in handwritten notes and splattered with various ingredients. This, she told me, was her secret recipe for Hen with Green Beans.

I watched in awe as she began to gather the ingredients - a plump hen, fresh green beans, onions, garlic, and a handful of fragrant herbs and spices. She explained each step to me, patiently guiding me through the process of preparing the dish.

As we worked side by side, the kitchen filled with the delicious aromas of roasting hen and sautéed green beans. My mouth watered in anticipation of the meal to come, and I couldn't wait to taste the fruits of our labor.

Finally, after hours of simmering and stirring, the dish was ready. My grandmother carefully plated the Hen with Green Beans, garnishing it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. The table was set, and the family gathered eagerly around to dig in.

The first bite was pure bliss. The tender meat of the hen melted in my mouth, while the crisp green beans provided a satisfying crunch. The flavors of the onions, garlic, and herbs blended together perfectly, creating a symphony of tastes that danced on my tongue.

As we ate, my grandmother regaled us with stories of how she had learned the recipe for Hen with Green Beans. She told us about a dear friend who had shared the recipe with her many years ago, during a summer spent in the countryside. The two women had spent hours in the kitchen, laughing and chatting as they cooked together, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

That evening, as we sat around the table, enjoying the delicious meal my grandmother had prepared, I realized the true magic of cooking. It wasn't just about following a recipe or putting ingredients together - it was about the joy of sharing food with loved ones, and the memories that were created in the process.

From that day on, Hen with Green Beans became a staple in our family's meal rotation. Whenever we sat down to enjoy this dish, we would reminisce about that summer day in 1965, and the bond that had been forged between my grandmother and me over a simple recipe.

To this day, whenever I make Hen with Green Beans, I am transported back to that sunny kitchen in the countryside, surrounded by the love and laughter of my family. And I am grateful for the gift of cooking that my grandmother passed down to me, along with her treasured recipe for Hen with Green Beans.

Categories

| Chicken Recipes | Chicken Stock And Broth Recipes | Dill Recipes | Green Bean Recipes | Onion Recipes | Romanian Meat Dishes | Romanian Recipes | Tomato Recipes |

Recipes with the same ingredients