Sautéed Green Beans with Butter – Super Easy Recipe
Buttered green beans are a simple side dish that highlights the delicate flavor of fresh green beans combined with the richness and creaminess of butter.
The green beans are briefly cooked in salted boiling water to make them tender. Then they are sautéed in a pan with melted butter, which gives them a rich taste and a velvety texture. The butter mixes well with the green beans, lightly coating them, while still allowing their natural flavor to shine.
Buttered green beans are a versatile side dish that pairs well with many main dishes, such as grilled meats, fish, or even vegetarian dishes.
The combination of green beans and butter creates a pleasant contrast, making this simple recipe a delicious and appreciated addition to any meal.
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- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Very Cheap
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 4 PEOPLE
- Cooking methods: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Summer
Ingredients
The combination of tender green beans and soft butter creates a pleasant contrast, making this simple recipe a delicious and appreciated addition to any meal.
- 1.1 lbs green beans
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 clove garlic
- parsley (to taste)
- salt (to taste)
- pepper (if desired)
Tools
These are the basic tools needed to prepare buttered green beans. Of course, you might use other kitchen utensils at your disposal, such as kitchen tongs or a fine strainer, depending on your personal preferences.
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Pot
- Colander
- 1 Pan
Steps
You can also customize this recipe by adding extra ingredients like chopped garlic or lemon juice to further enhance the flavor. Buttered green beans are a delicious and versatile side dish that pairs well with many main courses.
Rinse the green beans under running water to remove any dirt residues. Trim the ends of the green beans and, if you wish, remove any side strings. Fill a pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the green beans to the pot and cook them for about 4-6 minutes, or until they become tender but still crispy. Make sure not to overcook them or they’ll become mushy. You can check the cooking by tasting a green bean; it should be tender but still slightly crunchy. Drain the green beans from the cooking water and transfer them to a bowl.
In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the green beans to the pan with the melted butter and sauté them for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are well coated with butter and evenly heated. Season the green beans with salt and pepper to taste, mixing well to distribute the flavors. Transfer the buttered green beans to a serving platter and serve as a side dish.
Storage and Tips
If you wish to store the buttered green beans for later consumption, here’s how you can do it:
Refrigerator: You can store the buttered green beans in an airtight container or wrap them with plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator. This way they can last up to 3-4 days. Before consuming them, you can slightly reheat them in a pan or in the microwave. Freezing is not recommended.
Buttered green beans can be seasoned in various ways to enhance their flavor. Here are some options for seasoning buttered green beans:
Garlic: Finely chop one or two garlic cloves and add them to the pan along with the green beans and butter. The garlic will give an aromatic and delicious flavor.
Herbs: You can season the buttered green beans with herbs like fresh parsley, basil, thyme, or rosemary. Finely chop the herbs and add them to the pan while sautéing the green beans.
Lemon juice: Squeezing a little fresh lemon juice over the buttered green beans before serving them can add a note of freshness and a touch of acidity.
Grated cheese: If you want to further enrich the flavor, you can sprinkle the buttered green beans with grated cheese like Parmesan, Pecorino, or Grana Padano.
If you don’t have fresh green beans, you can opt for frozen green beans:
Take a package of frozen green beans from the freezer. It is not necessary to thaw them in advance.
Prepare a pot with salted water and bring it to a boil.
Add the frozen green beans to the pot with the boiling water and let them cook for about 4-6 minutes, or following the instructions on the package.
Drain them using a colander and set them aside. Proceed as above. Frozen buttered green beans are a convenient and quick option to enjoy this delicious side dish.
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