Green beans with garlic

Green Beans with Garlic – A Simple and Delicious Recipe

Green beans with garlic, also known as "string beans", is a dish that brings a touch of freshness and vitality to your table. This recipe is perfect for those warm summer days when you want to enjoy fresh vegetables, and its savory taste will surely delight everyone's taste buds. Whether you want to serve it as a side dish alongside a juicy steak or as a vegetarian main course, this recipe is truly versatile.

Over time, green beans have been appreciated not only for their taste but also for the nutritional benefits they provide. They are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber, making them an excellent ally for a healthy diet. Preparing this recipe doesn't take long, and the final result is full of flavor.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 1 kg fresh green beans
- 3-4 cloves of garlic
- 100 ml sunflower oil or olive oil
- Salt (to taste)
- 1-2 tablespoons of vegeta (optional)
- 1 medium onion

Step by step:

1. Preparing the beans: Start by cleaning the green beans. Wash the pods well under a stream of cold water, then trim the ends, and if they are very long, you can cut them in half. This step is essential for achieving a pleasant texture when cooking.

2. Blanching the beans: Put a pot of water to boil. When the water is boiling, add the cleaned beans and a pinch of salt. Blanch the beans for about 5-7 minutes. This will help retain their vibrant green color and soften the pods slightly.

3. Boiling: After the beans have been blanched, remove them from the water and let them drain. In the same pot (or another), add a little oil and sauté the finely chopped onion until it becomes translucent. Add the minced or crushed garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.

4. Combining ingredients: Add the boiled beans to the pot with the onion and garlic. Mix well to combine the flavors. If you're using vegeta, add it now. This ingredient will enhance the flavor and add extra savor.

5. Stewing: Cover the pot with a lid and let the beans stew for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step will help meld the flavors and cook the beans evenly.

6. Finishing: Once the beans are cooked, turn off the heat and taste. If needed, you can add a little more salt to adjust the flavor. Voila! Your dish is ready to serve.

Serving suggestions:
Green beans with garlic can be served warm alongside a chicken or fish steak, but they are just as delicious cold, as a salad. You can add some toasted sesame seeds or nuts for an extra texture and flavor. Additionally, you can sprinkle a little freshly squeezed lemon juice to intensify the taste.

Possible variations:
If you want to try a more exotic version, you can add some chili flakes or spices like cumin or coriander. These will bring a spicy and interesting note to your dish. Also, green beans can be combined with cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for added color and nutrients.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can frozen beans be used?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans, but the cooking time will be different. Make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the dish.

2. Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Carrots or zucchini are excellent options that can be added. Try cutting them into small pieces for even cooking.

3. What are the nutritional benefits of green beans?
Green beans are rich in antioxidants, help maintain heart health, are low-calorie, and are a good source of fiber that aids digestion.

Nutrition (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 150
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g

This garlic green beans recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare but also offers an unforgettable taste. I encourage you to try it and enjoy every bite. Bon appétit!