It is sad that when you mention green beans to most Americans, the first thing they will think of is that horrid green bean casserole that is forced upon us during the holiday season. Green beans are incredibly good for you, giving you a bounty of nutrients. Plus, they can be your best friend if you are trying to lose weight.
If you only think of green beans as something to be slathered in gloppy cans of creamed soup for a holiday side dish, try seeing them in a new light. Here are ways to get more green beans into your daily routine in ways that you will absolutely love.
1. Mix them into your breakfast
Omelets, frittatas, and quiches are all brilliant ways to disguise green beans. The high protein and high fiber combination of eggs and green beans mean you will stay fuller longer and will reduce your need for snacking.
2. Round out a salad
Green beans have the power to really fill you up. So when you toss them onto a salad, they will leave you feeling satisfied. Plus, they add another layer of texture to a boring bowl of greens which satisfies your need for crunchy munching.
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3. Make them fries
A light dusting of bread crumbs and baking green beans in the oven yields you crispy green bean fries. They are absolutely amazing and taste more sinful than they actually are. Serve with a dipping sauce that is not too high-cal.
4. Add them to soup
A robust bean soup or a minestrone really does well with the addition of green beans. Not only do they add more color and variety for ingredients, but they also give you even more of the nutrients you need in an easy to slurp up way.
5. Wrap them in bacon
Replace that dreary green bean casserole with bacon-wrapped bundles of green beans for a side dish everyone will love. Plus, if you use center-cut bacon, it’s much better for you!
6. Heck, make them the star of the salad
There comes a point in time when you grow sick and tired of the same old leafy lettuce-based salads. When that happens, try green beans instead. You can marinate them with chickpeas and red onions for a more Italian-style rendition, or go for an Asian-infusion by mixing them with tiny peas and a soy-ginger-based dressing. You can also simply use your imagination to let the flavors run wild!
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7. Roast them with mushrooms
And finally, for a simple side, you can throw together on any busy night, try roasting green beans in the oven with mushrooms. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper and toss to coat well. Roast them in the oven (425°F for 20 to 30 minutes should do it) and you will have a perfectly sublime side.
Green beans are fortified with an endless number of vitamins and minerals. Boost your health by incorporating them into your weekly diet. Do you like green beans? What is your favorite way to enjoy them?