Yellow bean salad
Usually, when I get to cook yellow beans, I start with the thought of making something easy and quick, sometimes even vegetarian. However, at my home, meat or something smoked is almost always requested. I've ended up putting two pieces of fried sausage next to it without negotiating anymore. This recipe is simple and doesn't require much time on the stove. The cheese adds a good flavor, especially when placed directly over the beans. It's the kind of dish you make without major plans and it pairs well with many options depending on what you have on hand.
Quick Info
Total time: about 30 minutes
Preparation time: 10-15 minutes
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Servings: 2-3
Difficulty: easy
Recipe type: warm salad, side dish, main course for summer
Ingredients
1 jar of yellow beans (pods)
2 tablespoons of garlic powder
1 tablespoon of salt
a pinch of pepper
1 teaspoon of oregano
a dash of chili
3 tablespoons of Univer garlic sauce
half a zucchini
1 small carrot
30 g sheep cheese
(optional) 2 pieces of fried sausage
(optional) mashed potatoes for serving
Preparation method
1. Remove the yellow beans from the jar and boil them in enough water to cover them. Add salt, pepper, oregano, chili, and garlic powder. Let it boil for about 10 minutes for the flavors to meld.
2. After 10 minutes, drain the beans well.
3. In the meantime, cut the zucchini into small cubes and the carrot into three pieces.
4. Boil a little water in a pot. When it boils, add the zucchini and carrot with a little salt and pepper. Let the vegetables cook for 10-15 minutes until softened. Drain them well.
5. Mix the boiled beans with 3 tablespoons of Univer garlic sauce.
6. Break the cheese into small pieces or slice it thinly, then place it over the beans. Mix well. Taste and add more salt if needed.
7. Serve everything with the boiled zucchini and carrots on the side.
8. If you like, add fried sausage and mashed potatoes on the side. You can also use soy schnitzel for a vegetarian option.
Why I make this recipe often
I prepare it when I need something quick or when I want to use what's already in the fridge. It doesn't take long and works well as a main dish or a side. The ingredients are simple, but the result is hearty and versatile. Canned beans save a lot of time. The cheese and garlic sauce completely change the flavor compared to a classic bean salad.
Tips and variations
Tips
- Use a fine sieve to drain the beans well; otherwise, the salad will be too watery.
- If the cheese is too salty, reduce the salt added at the beginning.
- Garlic powder and garlic sauce provide the main flavor; don't omit them or randomly replace them with something else.
- You can adjust the amounts of spices to your liking, especially if you don't want it spicy.
Substitutes
- If you don't have a jar of yellow beans, you can use frozen pods, but they need to be boiled a bit longer.
- The garlic sauce can be of another type, but avoid sweet sauces.
- Sheep cheese can be replaced with firmer cottage cheese or salted tofu for vegetarian.
- The sausage can be omitted or replaced with any preferred smoked meat.
Variations
- Add fresh herbs at the end, like dill or parsley, for an extra freshness.
- For a creamier version, mix in a little yogurt when serving.
- You can steam the vegetables instead of boiling them if you prefer a firmer texture.
Serving ideas
- As a main dish, with mashed potatoes and fried sausage.
- For vegetarians, it's good with soy schnitzel or simply with fresh bread.
- It also works as a side dish with grilled meats or barbecues.
- Leftovers from dinner can be put in a wrap with green salad.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use green beans instead of yellow?
Yes, you can use green bean pods too. The taste is slightly different, but the final texture is just as good.
2. What can I use instead of Univer garlic sauce?
If you don't have this sauce, make a mix of crushed garlic with a little oil and vinegar. But the taste will be more rustic.
3. Can the recipe be made with raw pods, not from a jar?
Yes, you just need to boil them first until tender. It may take 15-20 minutes, depending on their thickness.
4. Can I omit the carrot or zucchini?
Sure. The recipe is flexible and works even without these vegetables, just with beans, cheese, and spices.
5. How spicy is it with the amount of chili in the recipe?
With just a pinch of chili, the taste is very mildly spicy. If you don't want any spice, you can omit it.
Nutritional values (estimate)
One serving (without sausage/smoked meat and mashed potatoes):
Approx. 180-200 kcal
Protein: 8-10 g
Fat: 7-9 g
Carbohydrates: 16-20 g
The final content depends on the type of cheese and sauce used. If you add sausage or mashed potatoes, the calories increase significantly.
Storage and reheating
It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in a tightly closed container. I do not recommend reheating it; it’s better at room temperature or slightly chilled. If necessary, heat the vegetables and mix them with the beans only at the end, so the cheese doesn’t get too soft. If it sits longer, it may release water, so drain the liquid before serving.
Ingredients: a jar of yellow beans 2 tbsp garlic powder 1 tbsp salt a pinch of pepper 1 teaspoon oregano a dash of chili Univer garlic sauce half a zucchini 1 small carrot 30g sheep cheese
