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Simple and Soft Boiled Green Beans (No Butter!)

Total time: 20 mins.
Difficulty: Low
Serves: 4 people
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Simple & Soft Boiled Green Beans are a perfect side dish to pair with meat and fish main courses, egg omelettes, cold cuts, fresh and aged cheeses. Simple, quick and, at the same time, very tasty, they are ideal for any family lunch or dinner with guests.

To bring them to the table, just clean the green beans carefully, blanch them in salted water for about 15 minutes, then drain them carefully and transfer them to a bowl. Once cooled, all that remains is to season them with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of salt and that's it.

What Are Simple Boiled Green Beans?

Green beans, often referred to as string beans in the U.S., have a long history as a staple vegetable in American cuisine. Native to Central and South America, green beans were introduced to Europe in the 17th century before making their way to the United States. As an affordable and versatile vegetable, they became a popular side dish, especially in the Southern and Midwestern U.S.

In the U.S., boiled green beans became a classic, simple preparation due to their ease and quick cooking time, making them an ideal accompaniment to various main courses. Often seasoned with just salt, butter, or olive oil, boiled green beans highlight the natural, fresh flavors of the vegetable. Over time, they've been featured in family dinners, holiday meals like Thanksgiving, and comfort food recipes, holding a place as a traditional and nutritious side dish.

Pro Tips for The Best Boiled Green Beans

  • Choose fresh, firm, and bright green beans. Avoid those that are wilted or have brown spots for the best flavor and texture.
  • Before boiling, snap or trim off the tough ends of the green beans to ensure a more pleasant eating experience.
  • Use a large pot with plenty of water to give the green beans enough space to cook evenly.
  • Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water to enhance the natural flavor of the green beans.
  • To maintain the vibrant green color and stop the cooking process, transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water right after boiling for a few minutes. This is called blanching.

Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead of Fresh Ones?

Yes, you can use frozen green beans instead of fresh ones. Frozen green beans are already blanched before freezing, so they will cook a bit faster than fresh ones. Simply boil them for 3-5 minutes until they are tender and heated through. While they might not have the exact crispness of fresh beans, they are still a convenient and tasty option.

How Long Do Green Beans Need to Boil?

Green beans typically need to boil for 4-6 minutes to become tender yet still crisp. If you prefer them softer, you can boil them for up to 7-8 minutes, but be careful not to overcook, as they can become mushy.

Why Are My Green Beans so Tough and Not Soft?

If your green beans are tough and not soft, they may be overcooked or undercooked. If undercooked, simply boil them for a bit longer until they reach your desired tenderness. On the other hand, if they are overcooked, they might lose their texture and become mushy. Another reason could be that the beans are too old, as older beans tend to be tougher. Fresh, younger beans will be more tender, so it's always best to choose the freshest beans available.

What Else Can I Put on Boiled Green Beans For Flavor?

For added flavor, you can season boiled green beans with a variety of ingredients such as garlic, butter, olive oil, lemon juice, or balsamic vinegar. Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or dill work wonderfully, as well as a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese or toasted almonds for extra richness and texture.

What Can I Serve These With?

They complement roasted or grilled meats like chicken, beef, or pork, as well as fish dishes. Green beans are also great alongside pasta, stews, or casseroles. For a vegetarian meal, serve them with quinoa, rice, or a hearty salad. They make an excellent addition to holiday dinners, especially when paired with mashed potatoes and stuffing.

Can I Make These Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can make boiled green beans ahead of time. After cooking them, allow the beans to cool, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you're ready to serve, reheat them in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven.

Do They Freeze Well?

Yes, boiled green beans freeze well. To freeze them, blanch the beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then quickly transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain and pat them dry before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to use, simply reheat them from frozen or cook them directly in a dish.

How to Store Any Leftovers

To store leftover boiled green beans, allow them to cool to room temperature, then place them in an airtight container or resealable bag. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave them, sauté them in a pan, or steam them.

Ingredients

Green beans
500 grams
Extra virgin olive oil
to taste
salt
to taste
water
to taste

How to Make Simple and Soft Boiled Green Beans

Clean the green beans, removing the ends and also pulling the lateral filament, then wash them thoroughly.

Bring plenty of salted water to the boil in a pan, then immerse the green beans and cook for about 15 minutes: you can extend the cooking time if you prefer them softer.

When the green beans have the desired consistency, drain them and let them cool for a few moments.

Transfer them to a bowl, season with plenty of extra virgin olive oil and complete with a pinch of salt.

Mix well, so as to flavor them with the seasoning, then arrange them on a serving dish.

Enjoy!

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