At the beginning of this year, I looked at our grocery bill and was shocked at some of the high prices we were paying for processed foods that I could make on my own and save money doing so. I’ve set out to reduce our grocery budget by trying homemade recipes instead of the higher cost processed items. In January, I learned a simple way to make my own sour cream and in February I started making our own spaghetti sauce. This month I went out of order and decided to find a recipe for fresh green beans.
I love canned green beans. When I was a little girl, I would open a can of green beans and eat a whole can straight from the can! My kids seem to have taken after me and are also green bean fans. The problem is that because we live in China and were buying imported canned green beans, I was paying $3 per can. BUT, I loved them so much, that I really didn’t care.
I have recently found two different ways to cook fresh green beans that we are really enjoying. The first is so easy, that I’m embarrassed to have never tried it before.
SAUTEED GREEN BEANS
It does not get much easier than this. After snapping the ends of my green beans and then snapping them into bite sized pieces, all I do is cook them over medium heat with a little olive oil, minced garlic, and salt and pepper until they are tender. The kids love them this way!
ROASTED GREEN BEANS
The second recipe comes from a friend of ours. He’s a great cook, and when I told him I was looking for a better way to cook fresh green beans, he sent me this recipe.
Ingredients:
Green Beans
Red Onion
Garlic
Balsamic Vinegar
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Dried Oregano / Italian Seasoning
Grill Seasoning (e.g. McCormicks or Montreal Grill)
Salt (preferably larger grain like Kosher or Sea)
Pepper (fresh cracked is best)
Directions:
Heat the oven to 325-350 (depending on how hot your oven runs). Trim green beans and cut them in half. Chop red onion into medium chunks. Use a garlic press or finely chop 3-5 teeth of garlic. Combine in a casserole dish with balsamic vinegar (about 2 turns around the pan) and mix well. Let sit for 2-3 minutes. Add the seasoning, salt, pepper, and olive oil (about 3 turns, enough to coat plus a little extra). Mix well and insert into oven. Roast for 20 minutes, pull out, stir. Roast for another 15-20 minutes until the beans have shriveled up a little but still have just a little crunch and the onions are nicely soft and translucent.
Our family has really enjoyed both of these recipes. If you are looking for a new way to cook fresh green beans, I would recommend either recipe.
What is your favorite way to prepare fresh green beans?
I had planned to try a new recipes for April, but because we are trying to clear out our freezer and eat what we have, I have not been able to try anything new. In May we will spend the entire month in the U.S., but hopefully in June I will be back on track trying new recipes and bringing our grocery bill a little lower!
I make a sauteed green bean similar to your recipe above, but I’ll often add a bit of chicken stock and/or white wine. Just 1/4 to 1/2 cup – really adds some nice flavor. Enjoy your beans!
That sounds wonderful! I actually have a bit of chicken stock in our freezer and wasn’t sure how I was going to use it. I may try adding it to some green beans this week. Thank you for the suggestion!
You can also add slivered almonds to the sautéed green beans – that’s how we do them. Yum!
Great idea! I have had them like that before. The kids love any kind of nuts, so I bet they would love that extra touch!
I sauteed green beans last night nearly the same way you prepared yours – I agree, delicious and easy!
We LOVE green beans too! I don’t think Ive ever had canned green beans though. We love to saute them like you said and then add Parmesan cheese at the end – it is SO good! Your recipe for roasting looks great too – I think I’m going to have to pin it
YUM! I love parmesan cheese and will definitely try that!