Crisp-tender and full of zesty flavors, these Garlic-Parmesan Green Beans are guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family.
Let’s face it. Some kids really have an aversion to anything green. Things like broccoli, spinach, and kale tend to top the list of the most disliked veggies, while peas (probably because of their sweet flavor) are often accepted without much fuss. Green beans fall somewhere in the middle. Some parents resort to giving them playful names like “dinosaur fries” in the hope they’ll be greedily gobbled up. Sure, dipping them in ketchup is overlooked as long as they’re eaten, but instead of relying on quirky names or dips, why not prepare them in a way no one can resist?
Take these green beans. As they sauté, the beans are infused with fragrant garlic, and once perfectly tender, they’re finished off with a generous scattering of nutty Parmesan. The result? Beautifully seasoned beans that are a sure hit with everyone in the family. No need for pomp or gimmicks—just simple, delicious flavor that speaks for itself!
Are Garlic-Parmesan Green Beans Healthy?
Yes, this is definitely a dish you can feel good about serving to your family. Green beans are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They’re especially rich in vitamin C and manganese. Olive oil provides heart-healthy fats, while Parmesan adds a boost of calcium.
This recipe can easily be made vegan by swapping in a plant-based “Parmesan.” There are plenty of excellent options available on the market these days, but you can also whip up your own. Simply blitz three-quarters of a cup of cashews in a food processor with four tablespoons of nutritional yeast and one teaspoon each of salt, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Make It Your Own
There are so many variations to this recipe and delicious ways to make it your own. For a bright, citrusy kick, toss the beans with lemon zest and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving. To add richness, sauté chopped bacon or pancetta until crisp (using the rendered fat to cook the garlic and green beans), and sprinkle the crumbled meat on top. For a bit of Asian flair, finish the beans with a splash of soy sauce and a drizzle of sesame oil, then garnish with sesame seeds or even a dash of furikake.
How To Make Ahead And Store
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The beans can be served cold (added to a salad, for example) or quickly tossed in a skillet until warmed through. Do not freeze this dish, as the beans will be rendered mushy upon thawing.
Serving Suggestions
The great thing about this dish is that it goes well with a wide variety of mains. Love fish? Try it as a side to this Healthy Baked Salmon. Meat dishes, such as this hearty Italian Meatloaf or this Instant-Pot Beef Brisket, will work well, too. Want to keep it vegetarian/vegan? Serve the green beans with a Vegan Meatloaf or over a bowl of Rice Pilaf with sautéed tempeh “steaks.”
Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound fresh green beans ends trimmed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add the trimmed green beans to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender but still crisp.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Toss well to coat the green beans evenly with the cheese. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
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