How to Cook Tasty Green Beans
Fleshy and flexible green beans are a delight for veggie lovers due to their hearty nutritional qualities. Fresh green beans are not only low in calories but are also a very good source of dietary fibre, vitamins and minerals. They are also rich in heart-healthy fibres that help reduce the cholesterol level in the body. There are several ways to cook green beans, and when properly cooked, they are snappy and delicious.
Instructions
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1
Buttermilk Fried Green Beans
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients:
Green beans: 1 lb
Buttermilk: 1/2 cup
Flour: 2 cups
Cornmeal: 1/2 cup
Baking powder: 2 tsp
Salt: 2 tsp plus more for sprinkling
Cayenne (optional but delicious): 1/4 tsp
Oil for frying
Trim and rinse the green beans and set them aside to dry. When the beans are completely dry put them in a medium sized mixing bowl and toss thoroughly with buttermilk. In another bowl, mix together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, cayenne (if using) and two teaspoons of salt. Toss the beans in the flour mixture to coat them thoroughly. Now pour oil in a wide heavy pot and heat it to 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit. Shaking excess flour off the beans, add them to the hot oil in a single layer and fry for three minutes or until they are tender and golden brown. Remove the fried beans from the hot oil with a slotted spoon and put them in a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil. Sprinkle salt and serve hot with sauce or gravy of your choice.
Image courtesy: rachaelray.com
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2
Mint Jalapeno Green Beans
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
Green beans (ends trimmed): 1 lb
Garlic (chopped): 2 cloves
Jalapeno Chile (seeded and chopped): 1
Lemon juice: 2 Tbsp
Fresh mint leaves: 1/3 cup
Olive oil: 3 Tbsp
Salt: 1/4 tsp
Freshly ground black pepper: 1/4 tsp
Steam the green beans and plunge them immediately in a bowl containing chilled salted water. Once the beans are completely cool, remove them from the water, dry thoroughly and set in a shallow dish. Meanwhile, process garlic, jalapeno, lemon juice mint leaves, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a food processor to form a smooth mixture. Pour this mixture over the beans and mix thoroughly to cover the beans completely. Let the beans marinade for half an hour at room temperature and then serve.
Image courtesy: ahealthyjalapeno.com
