Delicious Italian-Inspired Green Bean Recipe
Are you on the lookout for a side dish that embraces the freshness and simplicity of Italian cuisine? Green beans in a Ligurian style might just be what you’re after. This dish, rich in history and tradition, turns a few genuine ingredients into a true palate pleaser.
I still remember when my grandma would whip up this side dish on warm summer evenings: the scent of garlic and parsley wafting through the air promised a flavor that always delivered. Now it’s your turn to bring this magic into your kitchen. I’ll walk you through the essential steps to create these crispy green beans, sautéed with Mediterranean flavors, a dish that’s light yet full of taste.
With less than 200 calories per serving and only 25 minutes from prep to cook time, you’ll have everything you need to complete both a casual lunch and a more refined dinner. And if you want to add that special touch? A pinch of creativity with pine nuts or chopped basil will pay homage to the authentic flavors of Liguria.
Let’s dive into how to turn these humble legumes into a culinary masterpiece!
Recipe Notes
- EASE: Quick and easy to prepare.
- PROS: Light and flavorful side dish.
- CONS: Requires attention to avoid overcooking the green beans.
- PREPARATION: Cleaning the green beans, cooking until al dente, adding aromatic seasoning.
- NUTRITIONAL NOTES: Approximately 150 calories per serving.
Notes on the Ingredients for the Recipe
- Green Beans: packed with fiber and minerals, perfect for light sides
- Garlic: adds an intense aroma and health benefits
- Parsley: rich in vitamins, adds freshness to the dish
- Olive Oil: a source of healthy fats, typical of Mediterranean cuisine
- Baking Soda: keeps the green beans’ color vibrant during cooking
Nutritional Aspects
Let’s discover the benefits of Genovese-style green beans, a light and flavorful side dish.
- Low in calories: about 150 calories per serving, perfect for those watching their weight.
- Rich in fiber: green beans promote a healthy digestive system.
- Natural antioxidants: the bright green color indicates the presence of vitamins.
- Low fat content: only extra virgin olive oil, good for the heart.
- Garlic and parsley: natural allies for a strong immune system.
- Gluten-free: suitable for those following a gluten-free diet.
- Natural detox: bicarbonate helps cleanse the body.
Recipe for Green Beans Genovese Style
Ingredients
- 500 g Green Beans
- 1 Garlic Clove of
- Parsley to taste
- Olive Oil to taste
- Salt to taste
- 1 Pinch Baking Soda Pinch of
Instructions
- Clean the green beans, removing the ends, and washing them thoroughly under running water.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add a pinch of baking soda.
- Immerse the green beans in the boiling water and cook them until they are al dente.
- Prepare a fine mince with the garlic and plenty of fresh parsley.
- Heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil in a large pan and gently wilt the mince of garlic and parsley.
- Drain the green beans and transfer them to the pan with the flavored oil, mixing gently.
- Season with salt to taste and continue cooking over low heat for a few minutes, turning the green beans often.
Notes
Variations of the Green Beans Alla Genovese Recipe
Add your own twist to the classic recipe
- Throw in some crispy bacon for a bolder flavor
- Swap out the garlic for onions for a sweeter variation
- Sprinkle some grated parmesan over the green beans before serving
- Add halved cherry tomatoes for a touch of freshness
- Sprinkle the green beans with shavings of pecorino before plating
Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe
Find answers to the most common questions about preparing Green Beans Genovese Style.
How can I prevent the green beans from becoming too mushy during cooking?
Add a pinch of baking soda to the boiling water to keep them crispy.
What can I add to give an extra touch to this traditional recipe?
For a twist, add toasted pine nuts or hand-torn basil leaves.
How can I make this side dish even healthier?
You can reduce the olive oil and salt to make it lighter and healthier.
