Italian Green Beans I

Italian Green Beans I Recipe - The Ultimate Vegetarian Delight

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

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Italian Green Beans is a classic and delicious side dish that is perfect for any meal. The combination of fresh green beans, garlic, and tomatoes creates a flavorful and nutritious dish that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

Italian Green Beans has been a popular dish in Italy for centuries. It is a simple and rustic dish that highlights the fresh flavors of the ingredients. Green beans are a staple in Italian cuisine, and this recipe showcases them in a delicious way.

Ingredients

500 g of green beans, sliced diagonally
2 tbsp of oil
1 clove of garlic, crushed
3 tomatoes, blanched and chopped
salt
black pepper

How to prepare

Cook the beans in boiling salted water until they are just tender.
Drain the beans.
Heat the oil in a saucepan, then add the beans, garlic, tomatoes, and salt and pepper to taste.
Simmer the mixture gently for 5 minutes or until the beans are cooked and the tomatoes are soft.

Variations

Add some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Top the dish with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Mix in some cooked bacon or pancetta for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the green beans until they are just tender to ensure they are not overcooked.

- Blanching the tomatoes before chopping them will make it easier to remove the skins and will enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences, adding more salt and pepper as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Italian Green Beans pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or steak. It can also be served alongside pasta or rice for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to blanch the tomatoes before chopping them to enhance their flavor.

- Simmer the green beans gently to ensure they are cooked through but still tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes if desired.

- Substitute olive oil for the oil called for in the recipe for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Italian Green Beans can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store the dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Italian Green Beans in a colorful serving dish garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a variety of main dishes, including grilled meats, seafood, and pasta dishes.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Italian Green Beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Italian Green Beans contains approximately 100 calories.

Carbohydrates

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

Fats

This dish is relatively low in fat, with only 2 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

Italian Green Beans provides a moderate amount of protein, with around 3 grams per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

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

Alergens

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

Summary

Italian Green Beans is a nutritious and flavorful dish that is low in calories and fat, making it a healthy choice for any meal.

Summary

Italian Green Beans is a simple and delicious side dish that is perfect for any meal. With fresh ingredients and a flavorful combination of flavors, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Italian Green Beans. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Italy. My grandmother, Nonna Maria, was known far and wide for her culinary skills, and I was lucky enough to be her apprentice in the kitchen.

One day, as I was helping Nonna Maria prepare for a big family dinner, she pulled out a worn, yellowed recipe card from her collection. It was for a dish she called "Fagiolini Verdi all'Italiana," or Italian Green Beans. I had never tasted anything like it before, and I was immediately intrigued.

Nonna Maria explained to me that the recipe had been passed down through generations of our family, and that it was a favorite at family gatherings and special occasions. She gave me a quick rundown of the ingredients and steps involved in making the dish, but it was clear that this was a recipe that required practice and precision.

Over the next few months, I watched Nonna Maria closely as she prepared the Italian Green Beans. She showed me how to select the freshest green beans, how to blanch them just right, and how to infuse them with the flavors of garlic, tomatoes, and herbs. I took notes eagerly, determined to master this recipe for myself.

As time went on, I began to experiment with the recipe, adding my own twists and variations to suit my taste. Sometimes I would add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or a splash of balsamic vinegar for a touch of sweetness. Each time I made the dish, I felt a sense of pride and connection to my heritage.

Years passed, and I eventually moved away from Italy to start a new life in America. I brought the recipe for Italian Green Beans with me, and it became a staple in my own kitchen. I would make it for friends and family, sharing the flavors and traditions of my Italian upbringing with those around me.

One day, while visiting a local farmers market, I struck up a conversation with a vendor who was selling fresh green beans. As we chatted about our love of cooking, I mentioned the recipe for Italian Green Beans that had been in my family for generations. To my surprise, the vendor revealed that he, too, had a similar recipe that had been passed down through his family.

We exchanged recipes and tips, bonding over our shared love of food and tradition. It was then that I realized the true power of recipes - they have the ability to connect us to our past, to bring us together with others, and to create lasting memories.

To this day, I continue to make Italian Green Beans using the recipe that Nonna Maria taught me so many years ago. Each time I prepare the dish, I am reminded of her patience and dedication in the kitchen, and I am grateful for the legacy of love and flavor that she passed down to me.

And so, as I sit here in my kitchen, stirring a pot of simmering green beans infused with garlic and tomatoes, I am filled with a sense of contentment and gratitude. This recipe for Italian Green Beans is more than just a dish - it is a link to my past, a celebration of my heritage, and a gift that I can share with others for years to come. Grazie, Nonna Maria, for teaching me the joy of cooking and the power of a good recipe.