Green Beans With Mushrooms Recipe

Looking for a delicious and healthy side dish? Green Beans with Mushrooms is the perfect combination of tender green beans and savory sautéed mushrooms. This simple, flavorful recipe works well for weeknight dinners, holiday feasts, or even as a light lunch. The dish comes together quickly with fresh ingredients and delivers a wonderful balance of textures and flavors. Plus, it’s easy to customize with different seasonings or additions based on your preferences. Read on for the full recipe, plus tips, substitutions, and variations!

What Are Green Beans with Mushrooms?

Green Beans with Mushrooms is a simple, savory side dish that combines fresh green beans with sautéed mushrooms, typically seasoned with garlic, onions, and herbs. The green beans offer a crisp-tender texture, while the mushrooms add a rich, earthy flavor. This versatile dish can be served alongside roast meats, fish, or vegetarian mains, making it a perfect accompaniment for any meal. It’s also naturally gluten-free, low-carb, and can be made vegan depending on the ingredients you use.

Ingredients List for Green Beans with Mushrooms

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious and easy side dish:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh green beans: Trimmed and cut into 1- to 2-inch pieces.
• 8 oz mushrooms: Sliced. You can use white button mushrooms, cremini (baby bella), or any variety you prefer.
• 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and flavor to the dish.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: For a rich, aromatic flavor.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables. You can also use butter for extra richness.
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional): For added flavor and creaminess.
• Salt and pepper to taste: To season the green beans and mushrooms.
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional): Adds a touch of umami flavor (use tamari for gluten-free).

Optional Add-ins and Garnishes:

• Fresh thyme or parsley: Adds an herbaceous touch.
• Red pepper flakes: For a bit of heat.
• Lemon zest or juice: Brightens up the dish with acidity.
• Shaved Parmesan or goat cheese: For a cheesy finish.

Substitutions and Variations

This Green Beans with Mushrooms recipe is highly versatile and can be adapted to suit different tastes or dietary needs.

Substitutions:

• Frozen green beans: If you don’t have fresh green beans, frozen green beans work well too. Just thaw and drain them before sautéing.
• Shallots instead of onions: Use finely sliced shallots for a milder, sweeter onion flavor.
• Vegan butter: For a completely dairy-free or vegan option, substitute regular butter with a plant-based alternative or just use extra olive oil.

Variations:

• Garlic and herb: Add more garlic or use fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano for an herby flavor.
• Add bacon: Cook some chopped bacon until crispy, then remove and use the bacon fat to sauté the mushrooms and green beans. Add the crispy bacon back in at the end.
• Almondine style: Toast slivered almonds in the skillet and toss them with the cooked green beans and mushrooms for a crunchy texture.
• Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

This Green Beans with Mushrooms recipe is quick and easy to prepare. Here’s how to make it step by step:

Step 1: Prep the Green Beans

1. Trim the green beans: Snap off the ends or cut them with a knife. Rinse them under cold water.
2. Blanch the green beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they are bright green and crisp-tender. Drain and immediately transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Drain again and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or a mix of olive oil and butter) in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced mushrooms and onions, and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are golden brown and the onions are soft. Make sure to let the mushrooms cook without stirring too often so they can get nicely browned.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Green Beans and Mushrooms Together

1. Add the blanched green beans to the skillet with the mushrooms and toss to combine.
2. Season with salt, pepper, and a splash of soy sauce (if using). Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the green beans are warmed through and the flavors are combined.
3. For extra richness, you can stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

1. Once the green beans and mushrooms are cooked to your liking, remove the skillet from heat.
2. Garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley, or add a sprinkle of lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
3. Serve hot as a side dish with your favorite main course.

How to Cook Green Beans with Mushrooms: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Blanch the green beans for 3-4 minutes, then drain and set aside.
2. Sauté mushrooms, onions, and garlic in olive oil until golden and fragrant.
3. Add the green beans to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and optional soy sauce.
4. Toss everything together and cook until the beans are heated through.
5. Garnish with fresh herbs, lemon zest, or cheese, and serve hot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not blanching the green beans: Blanching the green beans before sautéing ensures they stay bright green and tender-crisp, so don’t skip this step if you’re using fresh beans.
• Overcooking the mushrooms: Mushrooms release water as they cook, so make sure to sauté them over medium-high heat and give them enough space in the pan to brown. If they steam instead of sauté, they can become rubbery.
• Not seasoning enough: Mushrooms and green beans can be bland if underseasoned. Be generous with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Green Beans with Mushrooms is a simple yet elegant side dish that can be served at family dinners, holiday meals, or even potlucks. Here’s how to serve and present it beautifully.

How to Serve Green Beans with Mushrooms:

• Pair with meats: This dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats like chicken, beef, turkey, or pork. It’s also great alongside fish or tofu for a lighter meal.
• Serve with holiday meals: Green beans with mushrooms makes a great side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter dinner. It’s lighter than traditional green bean casseroles but just as flavorful.
• Top with cheese: For a more indulgent version, sprinkle some shaved Parmesan, feta, or goat cheese on top right before serving.

Presentation Ideas for Green Beans with Mushrooms:

• Serve the dish in a rustic cast-iron skillet or a ceramic baking dish for a warm, inviting presentation.
• Garnish the dish with freshly chopped herbs, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or a squeeze of lemon for a bright pop of color and flavor.
• For an elegant touch, arrange the green beans in neat rows or circles on a platter, with the mushrooms spread evenly on top.

Green Beans with Mushrooms Recipe Tips

• Prep ahead: You can blanch the green beans and slice the mushrooms ahead of time to make meal prep easier. Just store them in the fridge until you're ready to cook.
• Double the recipe: This recipe doubles easily if you're serving a crowd. Use a larger skillet or sauté the vegetables in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
• Make it heartier: Add some toasted nuts like almonds or pecans, or stir in crispy bacon or pancetta for a heartier side dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen green beans in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Just thaw them and pat them dry before adding them to the skillet. They’ll cook faster than fresh green beans, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can blanch the green beans and sauté the mushrooms ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge, and then combine and heat them together in a skillet just before serving.

How long can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Conclusion

This Green Beans with Mushrooms recipe is an easy, flavorful, and healthy side dish that can complement any meal. Whether you're serving it with roast chicken, steak, or tofu, the combination of tender green beans and savory mushrooms creates a dish that’s both simple and satisfying. Plus, with plenty of variations and substitutions, you can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs. Now that you know all the tips and tricks to making this delicious dish, it's time to grab your ingredients and start cooking!

Enjoy your green beans and mushrooms with a touch of garlic, fresh herbs, or even a squeeze of lemon for a burst of brightness!

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