Introduction
Canned green beans a great addition to any meal, add flavor, and nutrients to any diet. However, some people find it challenging to cook canned green beans in a way that is both tasty and healthy. This article aims to solve this problem by providing a detailed guide on how to cook canned green beans.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Canned Green Beans
Cooking canned green beans is a breeze, and it’s beginner-friendly. It’s an easy process that can be done in under ten minutes. Here’s how:
- Open the can of green beans and pour the contents into a strainer or colander
- Wash the beans thoroughly with water to remove the excess sodium
- Transfer the green beans to a medium-sized saucepan
- Add 2-3 cups of water
- Place the saucepan on a stovetop burner on medium heat
- Stir occasionally until the water simmers, and leave the green beans to cook for 5-7 minutes, depending on your preferred crunchiness
- Use a slotted spoon to serve the green beans and enjoy!
It’s essential to avoid overcooking canned green beans, as this can ruin their texture and taste. If you cook the green beans for too long, they can become mushy. So, make sure you stick to the cooking time guidelines mentioned above.
Seasoning Ideas
Seasoning is an essential part of cooking canned green beans. Here are some seasonings to try:
- Garlic and Onion: Add a bit of garlic or onion powder to the green beans for added flavor
- Butter and Salt: Add a little butter and salt to taste for a buttery flavor
- Bacon Grease: For a Southern-style twist, add a bit of bacon grease to the green beans
You can also try herbs and spices like rosemary, thyme, paprika, black pepper, or even cumin to make your green beans more flavorful. Use these seasonings sparingly if you’re unsure how strong the flavor will be.
Health Benefits
Canned green beans carry a ton of health benefits, so you don’t have to worry about sacrificing nutrition for convenience. They are a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, and K, and potassium. They’re easy to digest, low in calories and fat, and contain fiber, which makes you feel fuller for longer.
In general, canned green beans have a similar nutritional value to fresh and frozen green beans. The only thing that sets them apart is their sodium content. When cooking canned green beans, make sure you rinse them well to remove excess sodium.
Recipe Suggestions
If you wish to switch up the traditional method of preparing canned green beans, consider trying the recipes below:
Green Bean Casserole
This recipe is a favorite at Thanksgiving, but it’s delicious any day of the year. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 2 cans of green beans
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can of fried onions
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F
- Wash the green beans and add them to a baking dish
- In a mixing bowl, mix together the mushroom soup, milk, salt, and pepper
- Pour this mixture over the green beans
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes
- Remove the foil and spread the fried onions on top before you return the dish to the oven for another 10 minutes
- Take it out of the oven and serve hot!
Green Bean Salad
This recipe is perfect for salad lovers who want to add a bit of protein and crunch to their greens.
Ingredients:
- 1 can of green beans
- 1 can of chickpeas
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Wash the green beans, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, and red onion, and pat them dry
- Combine these ingredients in a mixing bowl, set aside for later use
- In another mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper to create the dressing
- Pour the dressing over the salad and stir until fully incorporated
- Chill in the fridge for 10 minutes, then serve cold!
Pairing Suggestions
Canned green beans pair well with various foods, making them a versatile ingredient for any meal. Here are some of our suggested pairings:
- Roasted turkey
- Baked chicken
- Grilled steak or fish
- Rice, couscous, or pasta
- Mashed potatoes
Storage and Preservation
Finally, it’s essential to store canned green beans properly to maintain their shelf life and quality. After opening a can of green beans, you can store the beans in an airtight container or cover the can with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. Canned green beans can last up to five days in the fridge.
If you’re left with excess green beans, you don’t have to worry because there are lots of exciting things you can do. You can add the beans to soups and stews, casseroles, salads, or even omelets. The possibilities are endless!
Conclusion
In conclusion, cooking canned green beans is quick and easy, and they carry a ton of nutritional and health benefits. With a little seasoning, canned green beans can be turned into delicious side dishes, salads, and even casseroles. We hope this article has inspired you to experiment with more canned green bean recipes. Make sure you rinse them well to remove excess sodium and store them correctly to preserve their longevity.
