Green beans with sour cherries

Green Beans with Wax Beans – A Delicious and Healthy Recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Green beans with wax beans is a recipe that exudes freshness and flavor, perfect for warm summer days or as a side dish for any main course. This recipe is not only delicious but also healthy, offering a superb combination of vegetables that will delight both the taste buds and the eyes. Moreover, it is a quick and simple recipe, ideal for those who want to cook at home without spending hours in the kitchen.

A Brief History of the Recipe

Green beans are a staple ingredient in many culinary cultures, with a long history in human diet. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, green beans have impressive nutritional properties. The combination with wax beans – a vegetable that brings a slightly sweet taste and a crunchy texture – adds a touch of originality and refinement to the dish. This recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can create savory dishes.

Ingredients:

- 500 g fresh green beans
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion
- 1 carrot
- 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked, depending on preference)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3-4 wax beans (or, alternatively, bell peppers for a different variation)
- 100 ml tomato paste
- 2 cloves of garlic

Ingredient Details:

- *Green beans*: Choose fresh green beans with a vibrant color and no blemishes. They should be crunchy and juicy.
- *Olive oil*: Opt for extra virgin olive oil for a more intense flavor and enhanced nutritional benefits.
- *Onion and carrot*: These vegetables add a base flavor and sweetness to the dish, creating a wonderful contrast with the beans.
- *Paprika*: This not only adds a splash of color but also a delicious taste. Smoked paprika can add an extra dimension to the dish.
- *Wax beans*: These vegetables are a fantastic choice, but you can experiment with other vegetables such as bell peppers or even zucchini.
- *Tomato paste*: Choose a quality tomato paste without additives for an authentic taste.

Preparation Techniques:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Wash the green beans well and trim the ends. Dice the onion and carrot into small cubes. If using wax beans, peel them and cut them into appropriately sized pieces.

2. Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and carrot and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the carrot softens.

3. Adding the beans: Add the green beans to the skillet and stir well. Let them cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Seasoning: Add paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well to distribute the flavors.

5. Including the wax beans: Add the wax beans and stir. Let them cook for another 5 minutes.

6. Tomato paste: Add the tomato paste and crushed garlic. Mix everything well and add about 100 ml of water to help form a sauce. Cover the skillet and let it simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the beans are tender but still crunchy.

7. Finalizing the dish: Taste and adjust the seasonings, adding more salt, pepper, or paprika as desired.

8. Serving: Green beans with wax beans can be served as a main dish or as a side with grilled meat or fish. You can also add a few slices of lemon for an extra touch of freshness.

Possible Variations:

- Add a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice for a note of acidity.
- Experiment with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added flavor.
- Instead of wax beans, you can use bell peppers or zucchini to vary the textures and flavors.

Serving Suggestions:

Green beans with wax beans is a versatile dish that pairs perfectly with a slice of homemade bread or mashed potatoes. Additionally, a glass of dry white wine or a refreshing citrus cocktail will perfectly complement the meal.

Nutritional Benefits:

This recipe is rich in fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, and essential minerals such as iron and manganese. It is an excellent choice for a healthy diet, contributing to maintaining a healthy digestion and a strong immune system.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use frozen beans?
Sure! Frozen beans are a convenient option; just make sure to thaw them before adding them to the skillet.

2. What other dishes can accompany green beans with wax beans?
This recipe pairs excellently with grilled chicken, fish, or even a serving of quinoa for a vegetarian meal.

3. How can I store green beans with wax beans?
They store well in the fridge for 2-3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave or skillet before serving.

Now that you know how to prepare this delicious green beans with wax beans, all that’s left is to get cooking! I encourage you to experiment and put your personal touch on the recipe. Cooking is an art, and every dish can become a masterpiece! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 500 g green beans, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 onion, 1 carrot, 1 teaspoon paprika, salt, pepper, 3-4 sprigs of thyme, 100 ml tomato paste, 2 cloves of garlic

 Tags:  green beans