Sweet-and-Sour Green Beans

Sweet-and-Sour Green Beans Recipe

| Servings: 4

Introduction

Sweet-and-Sour Green Beans is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that combines the flavors of tangy vinegar and sweet sugar with tender green beans. This recipe is perfect for a quick and healthy addition to any meal.

History

The combination of sweet and sour flavors has been a popular cooking technique for centuries, with origins in Chinese cuisine. This recipe puts a unique twist on the classic sweet and sour flavor profile by using green beans as the main ingredient.

Ingredients

1 package (10 oz / 283 g) frozen green beans
0.5 cup water
1 bay leaf
4 whole cloves
2 tbsp red or white wine vinegar
1 tbsp margarine
1 pack equal sweetener

How to prepare

In a saucepan, combine the beans, water, bay leaf, and cloves.
Cook until the beans are tender, approximately 3 minutes.
Drain off the water.
Add the vinegar and margarine.
Saute for 3 minutes.
Remove the bay leaf and cloves.
Sprinkle with sweetener and serve.

Variations

Add sliced almonds or sesame seeds for added crunch.
Use balsamic vinegar for a richer flavor.
Stir in a splash of soy sauce for an umami kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure not to overcook the green beans, as they can become mushy and lose their vibrant color.

- Adjust the amount of sweetener to your taste preference - you can use sugar, honey, or a sugar substitute.

- For added flavor, you can also add chopped garlic or ginger to the sauteed beans.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Sweet-and-Sour Green Beans alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete and balanced meal.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe uses a simple sauteing technique to cook the green beans until tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

Fresh green beans can be used instead of frozen.

- Butter can be used in place of margarine.

- Honey or maple syrup can be used instead of sweetener.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the green beans ahead of time and reheat them just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Sweet-and-Sour Green Beans in a colorful dish garnished with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Sweet-and-Sour Green Beans with a light and refreshing white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any 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

Each serving of Sweet-and-Sour Green Beans contains approximately 100 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Sweet-and-Sour Green Beans contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Sweet-and-Sour Green Beans contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Sweet-and-Sour Green Beans contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Green beans are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like potassium and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains margarine, which may contain dairy. Be sure to check for any allergens before preparing this dish.

Summary

Sweet-and-Sour Green Beans is a low-calorie, nutrient-rich side dish that is high in vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Sweet-and-Sour Green Beans is a flavorful and nutritious side dish that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the tangy sweetness of this dish alongside your favorite main course.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Sweet-and-Sour Green Beans. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished helping my neighbor, Mrs. Jenkins, with her garden. As a thank you, she invited me into her kitchen for a glass of lemonade.

As we sat at her kitchen table, she began to tell me about a recipe that had been passed down through her family for generations. It was a simple yet delicious dish that combined the freshness of green beans with the tanginess of vinegar and the sweetness of brown sugar. Mrs. Jenkins could see the curiosity in my eyes, and she offered to teach me how to make it.

We spent the afternoon in her kitchen, chopping fresh green beans and simmering them in a sweet and sour sauce until they were tender and flavorful. Mrs. Jenkins shared stories of her grandmother, who had taught her the recipe when she was just a young girl. I could almost taste the love and tradition that went into each bite of those green beans.

After we finished cooking, Mrs. Jenkins packed up a portion of the Sweet-and-Sour Green Beans for me to take home to my own family. As I walked back to my house, I couldn't wait to share this new recipe with them.

When I arrived home, my family gathered around the table as I served up the Sweet-and-Sour Green Beans. The aroma filled the room, and everyone's mouths watered in anticipation. With the first bite, they were hooked. The flavors danced on their tongues, and they couldn't get enough.

From that day on, Sweet-and-Sour Green Beans became a staple in our household. I made it for every family gathering, holiday meal, and potluck dinner. The recipe was a hit every time, and people always asked me for the secret behind the dish.

Over the years, I continued to make the Sweet-and-Sour Green Beans, adding my own little twists and tweaks to make it my own. I shared the recipe with friends, neighbors, and anyone who asked. It became my signature dish, and I was proud to pass it down to my children and grandchildren.

As I sit here now, reflecting on that fateful day with Mrs. Jenkins, I am filled with gratitude for the gift she gave me. Not just the recipe for Sweet-and-Sour Green Beans, but the tradition, love, and memories that come with it. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with others, to share a piece of myself with those I care about. And this recipe, with its rich history and delicious flavors, will always hold a special place in my heart.

So if you ever find yourself in need of a dish that is sure to please a crowd, look no further than Sweet-and-Sour Green Beans. It's more than just a recipe - it's a story, a memory, a tradition. And I hope that when you make it, you can taste the love and passion that went into creating it. Enjoy!