Fresh Green Beans Just Right
When I think of green beans, my memory takes me back to my childhood and the Green Giant. In the 1960s, my mom served most of our vegetables from a can except in summertime, when we had a garden. The green beans from the Green Giant were one of her favorites.
Green beans, also known as string beans or snap beans, are a beloved vegetable in many cuisines worldwide, renowned for their crisp texture, vibrant color, and versatile flavor. These slender pods are legume family members and are harvested while still immature before the seeds inside have fully developed. This tender stage gives them their signature crispness and mild, slightly sweet taste.
One of the most appealing aspects of green beans is their versatility in the kitchen. They can be enjoyed raw as a crunchy snack, blanched and added to salads for a burst of freshness, or cooked in myriad ways to create flavorful dishes. Whether steamed, sautéed, stir-fried, roasted, or grilled, green beans retain their bright hue and firm texture, making them a favorite ingredient in countless recipes.
Green beans pack a healthy nutritional punch. They are low in calories and fat but high in essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins C and K, and minerals such as manganese and folate. This nutrient profile not only supports overall health but also contributes to healthy digestion, immune function, and bone health.
In addition to their nutritional benefits, green beans are incredibly easy to incorporate into meals. They pair well with various flavors and ingredients, from garlic and lemon to bacon and almonds. Their versatility makes them suitable for countless culinary traditions, whether they’re featured in a classic French dish like green beans almondine or a spicy Sichuan stir-fry.
Culturally, green beans hold significance beyond their culinary uses. In some cultures, they symbolize prosperity and good fortune, often appearing in celebratory meals or as part of traditional rituals. Their vibrant color and abundant harvests also make them a symbol of abundance and fertility in agricultural traditions.
Whether enjoyed fresh from the garden, sourced from the local market, or served up in a gourmet restaurant, green beans are a delightful addition to any meal. With their crisp texture, mild flavor, and nutritional benefits, they continue to captivate taste buds and inspire culinary creativity around the globe.
Ho, Ho, Ho, Green Giant
Today, with all the wonderful fresh produce available to us 365 days a year, we rarely serve vegetables out of a can. With fresh, seasonal produce at the farmer’s markets, this green bean salad is the perfect side dish for many of your favorite summertime meals.
Shock and Awe
Preparing green beans is a delicate process that requires precision. To achieve the perfect balance of tenderness and crunch, we employ a technique called blanching and shocking. First, we blanch the beans in boiling water, a quick dip that softens them just enough. Then, we shock them by plunging them into a bowl of ice-cold water. This rapid change in temperature halts the cooking process, preserving their bright, green color and crisp texture. It’s a simple yet effective method that ensures your green beans are always cooked to perfection.
Simple Green Bean Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 ounces fresh green beans ends cut off and discarded
- salt & pepper to taste
- 1 large shallot peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
- 3 tablespoons roasted almonds roughly chopped
- 1 drizzle olive oil
Instructions
- Fill a small pot of water large enough to hold all the string beans. Add a pinch of salt to it. Bring to a boil.
- While the water heats up, add the thinly sliced shallot to a small bowl, add the sherry vinegar and season with salt and pepper. Give it a stir and let this sit while you work on the beans.
- Fill another bowl large enough to hold the string beans with water and a handful of ice to make a nice ice bath for the string beans when they are done cooking.
- When the pot of water comes to a boil, add the green beans and blanch for 3 to 4 minutes until they slightly soften and turn bright green. When done, carefully strain the beans and quickly add them to the ice bath to stop the cooking and to retain the brilliant color.
- When they are completely cooled off, strain them again and dry them with a kitchen towel. Wipe dry the ice water bath bowl and transfer the green beans into the bowl.
- Add the marinated sliced shallots including the marinating liquid to the string beans. Add the chopped almonds and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper.
- Serve.
