Have you ever come across a #struggleplate on social media? One thing that pops up on many posts associated with this hashtag is a pile of canned green beans. Don't get me wrong--I'm sure I ate canned green beans as a kid, when both my parents worked and didn't always have time to put together a farm-to-table, five star dinner for my siblings and me. (Side note: I am the oldest of five kids.) However, fresh green beans--fresh produce in general, can help elevate a plate beyond the level of struggle, like they do in these garlicky green beans with mushrooms. Looking for a delicious yet easy vegetable side dish? Let's get into the details!
If you have time and access to fresh green beans by virtue of your food budget and where you live, I recommend them over canned every. single. time. Not everyone has that privilege so don't take it for granted! Fresh produce is not hard to work with and you would be surprised at all the amazing flavors (and health benefits) you'll experience. Green beans have great flavor on their own but are versatile and go well with things like sriracha. The beans below are made with two of my favorite go-to ingredients: garlic and mushrooms.
If you aren't a mushroom person, (I have so many friends like that and I always tell them they're being childish but I won't say that to you) feel free to omit them. 🙂 You'll still wind up with a solid side dish. These garlicky green beans & mushrooms are quick enough for a weeknight meal and yummy enough for your holiday table! Skip the green bean casserole and bring this Thanksgiving side idea to the party. Whip this up plus a batch of my ginger curry carrots and you'l be in healthy side dish paradise.
How to Prepare Fresh Green Beans
Wondering how to prep fresh green beans? Here are the basics of cleaning green beans in three simple steps.
- Don't soak fresh green beans in water. You may have heard some old school advice encouraging this but it's simply unnecessary. It can actually make the green beans tougher.
- Trim the ends. Fresh green beans typically have one tough end. This is where the stem connected to the stalk. Pinch and pull these away. You can also cut them to save time. Here's a good visual on that.
- Rinse green beans and pat them dry. I clean produce using a mixture of cool water and vinegar. Now you're ready to cook!
If you want more easy veggie side ideas, check out this zesty lemon squash (SO good). And sharing is caring so be sure to pin this recipe on Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
P.S. more delicious sides:
Garlicky Green Beans & Mushrooms
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans with ends removed
- 4 ounces white cello mushrooms thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- sea salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- olive oil
Instructions
- Coat the bottom of a large skillet or saucepan with olive oil over medium heat. Add green beans and season with garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat beans in oil and spices.
- Continue cooking for about ten minutes, stirring regularly to ensure evenness. As you stir, scrape the pan in order to get all the good, garlicky bits incorporated throughout the beans!
- Once most of the beans have developed sear marks, add garlic then mushrooms and sauté another few minutes. Beans should be tender and mushrooms should be cooked down.
Meiko Temple says
This combo of greenbeans and mushrooms is so good. Love love love it!