This recipe combines tender green beans with earthy mushrooms, infused with the rich flavors of garlic and finished with a touch of fresh lemon juice. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a side dish, this vibrant and healthy dish is a delightful way to enjoy seasonal produce. The quick preparation and balance of flavors make it an ideal addition to your dinner table.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley for garnish
Directions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender but still crisp. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and softened.
- Add the cooked green beans to the skillet with the mushrooms. Toss to combine and season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the green beans are heated through.
- Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
Green Beans with Mushrooms: A Vibrant and Nutritious Dish
When it comes to preparing meals that are both nutritious and flavorful, this recipe featuring green beans and mushrooms checks all the boxes. This dish marries the tender crunch of fresh green beans with the earthy, umami-rich depth of mushrooms. Complemented by the aromatic infusion of garlic and the bright zest of fresh lemon juice, it offers a culinary experience that is as vibrant as it is satisfying. Whether you are looking for a quick weekday dinner addition or a healthy side dish for a festive meal, this recipe fits the bill perfectly.
The Beauty of Simplicity in Cooking
One of the most appealing aspects of this dish is its simplicity. With a handful of readily available ingredients, you can create something that feels elevated and gourmet. The fresh green beans provide a crisp texture and vivid color, making the dish visually appealing. Mushrooms, with their rich and meaty flavor, add an earthy note that balances the brightness of the lemon juice. Garlic, a culinary cornerstone, brings a warm, savory depth to the dish, enhancing the natural flavors of the vegetables.
This recipe also underscores the beauty of seasonal cooking. Green beans are at their peak during the warmer months, and using them fresh ensures optimal flavor and nutritional value. Mushrooms, available year-round, add a hearty element to the dish, making it satisfying without being heavy.
Versatility at Its Best
This green bean and mushroom recipe is incredibly versatile. While it shines as a side dish, it can also be adapted to suit a variety of culinary needs. For a light, plant-based meal, serve it over a bed of quinoa or couscous. If you’re hosting a dinner party, this dish can complement a range of main courses, from grilled chicken to roasted salmon. Its quick preparation time and universal appeal make it an excellent choice for gatherings where dietary preferences may vary.
Moreover, the recipe’s adaptability extends to the ingredients. While olive oil is the preferred cooking medium here, you can experiment with alternatives like avocado oil or even butter for a richer flavor. Adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can introduce a subtle heat, while incorporating toasted almonds or pine nuts provides a delightful crunch and a touch of nutty flavor.
Nutritional Benefits
From a nutritional standpoint, this dish is a powerhouse. Green beans are low in calories and high in essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese. They are also an excellent source of dietary fiber, which supports digestive health and helps maintain a feeling of fullness.
Mushrooms, on the other hand, are rich in antioxidants, selenium, and B vitamins, including riboflavin and niacin. They contribute to immune system support and overall energy metabolism. The use of olive oil adds healthy monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. Lemon juice, while small in quantity, provides vitamin C and aids in the absorption of iron from the green beans.
Together, these ingredients create a dish that is not only delicious but also highly nutritious, supporting overall wellness while satisfying your taste buds.
Culinary Tips and Tricks
To ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time, consider the following tips:
- Blanching Green Beans: Blanching the green beans before sautéing helps to lock in their vibrant color and maintain their crisp texture. Be sure to plunge them into ice water immediately after boiling to stop the cooking process.
- Mushroom Preparation: Clean mushrooms gently with a damp paper towel or a soft brush to remove dirt. Avoid washing them under running water as they can absorb moisture and become soggy.
- Seasoning: Don’t skimp on seasoning. Salt and pepper are essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the vegetables, but feel free to get creative with your spice rack.
- Lemon Juice: Add the lemon juice at the end of cooking to preserve its fresh and tangy flavor. Cooking it for too long can diminish its brightness.
A Dish for Every Occasion
This green bean and mushroom recipe is more than just a simple side dish. It’s a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients brought together in harmony. Its quick preparation and balance of flavors make it ideal for busy weeknights, while its elegant simplicity ensures it can hold its own on a holiday table. Pair it with a glass of crisp white wine, and you have a meal that’s as delightful to eat as it is to prepare.
Conclusion
In today’s fast-paced world, finding recipes that are both nutritious and easy to prepare can feel like a challenge. This green bean and mushroom dish proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. By combining fresh, seasonal ingredients with simple cooking techniques, it delivers a dish that is vibrant, flavorful, and nourishing.
Whether you’re looking to elevate a weeknight meal or impress guests with a sophisticated side dish, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. With its balance of textures and flavors, it’s a reminder that sometimes the best dishes are the ones that let the ingredients shine.
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Green Beans with Mushrooms
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Description
This recipe combines tender green beans with earthy mushrooms, infused with the rich flavors of garlic and finished with a touch of fresh lemon juice. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a side dish, this vibrant and healthy dish is a delightful way to enjoy seasonal produce. The quick preparation and balance of flavors make it an ideal addition to your dinner table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender but still crisp. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and softened.
- Add the cooked green beans to the skillet with the mushrooms. Toss to combine and season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the green beans are heated through.
- Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes