Fresh Green Bean Recipes

Green beans, also named as French beans, are one of the most popular edible vegetables. In addition to good taste, they are known for their great nutritional value. They are the excellent source of iron, vitamins such as vitamin A and C, proteins, thiamin, riboflavin, calcium and dietary fibers. A wide variety of food recipes can be prepared using the fresh green beans such green bean salad, green bean casserole, etc. Fresh green beans can also be used in the preserved form. Know about freezing fresh green beans. You can cook the fresh green beans using various methods such as steaming, stir-frying, blanching in salted water and baking. Try the following sumptuous fresh green bean recipes, which offer a mouth-watering taste as well as high nutritional value.

Crisp Pickled Green Beans

Ingredients
2½ pounds fresh green beans
2 cups water
2½ cups distilled white vinegar
1 bunch fresh dill weed
1 clove garlic, peeled
¾ tsp red pepper flakes
¼ cup salt

Preparation
Sterilize 6 jars with rings and lids. Keep them hot. Trim fresh green beans to ¼ inch shorter than the jars. In a large saucepan, mix together water, vinegar and salt. Then add garlic and bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat. In every jar, place 1 sprig of dill and 1/8 tsp of red pepper flakes. Place green beans in the jars in the standing positions on their ends. Put the boiling brine into the jars using a ladle. Fill up to ¼ inch of the top. Discard garlic. Seal jars with rings and lids. Place them in a hot water bath in such a way that they are covered by 1 inch of water. Simmer for about 10 minutes. Allow them to cool at room temperature. You can use this tasty pickle after 2-3 weeks, when fermented well.

Grilled Green Bean and Eggplant Salad

Ingredients
½ lb fresh green beans
2 Japanese eggplants
2 cups mixed greens
2 large red bell pepper
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp minced red onion
Salt and pepper

Preparation
Make round ¼ inch thick slices of eggplants. Toss them with green beans in ¼ cup balsamic vinegar. Grill them for about 8-10 minutes, turning frequently. In a big salad bowl, mix together greens, bell peppers, onions, lemon juice, olive oil and 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar. Then add salt and pepper to taste. Arrange the grilled vegetables on its top. Now your delicious salad is ready to serve.

Fresh Green Beans Parmesan

Ingredients
2-3 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1 can sliced water chestnuts, drained
1/3 cup chopped onion
3-4 cups water, to cover
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cups olive oil
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
½ tsp basil
½ tsp pepper
½ tsp salt

Preparation
In a saucepan, add green beans to the water. Bring it to boil. Cover the pan, reduce heat and simmer for about 8-10 minutes, until the beans become tender. Take care that beans should be slightly crisp. Then drain excess water. Add ice water in order to stop the cooking process. Then drain the beans and keep them aside. In a pan, mix together mushrooms, water chestnuts, basil, pepper, onion, Italian seasoning, salt and oil. Fry it, until onion is tender. Then add beans and cook well. When it is ready, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.