Four Ways to Prepare Fresh Green Beans

Green beans are one of the few vegetables my husband will eat. For years, he wouldn't venture beyond canned green beans with a little butter melted on top. After much persuasion, he agreed to try steamed fresh green beans, but only if I threw in some bacon.

In February 2007, I started a food blog which turned my husband from "Mr. Meat and Potatoes with a Side of Green Beans" to "Mr. What Are We Going to Try Next?" Because of the blog, he was willing to embark on a culinary journey. Not only did he expand his palate, he became quite masterful in the kitchen. Today, he can whip up some serious grub!

Green beans are our favorite vegetable, so we began experimenting with ways to prepare them first. Each recipe is nearly guaranteed to be husband and kid-friendly. These green bean recipes are also kitchen-friendly with preparation time of 30 minutes or less.

Fresh green beans are the preferred choice, but canned or frozen can be substituted if absolutely necessary and cooking time should be reduced by half. Remember to wash and dry fresh green beans and allow sufficient time to cook.

Simply Steamed Fresh Green Bean Recipe
This recipe uses a vegetable steamer basket. If you don't have one, double the amount of water and boil the beans.

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12-18 minutes

Ingredients:
1 pound fresh green beans; washed, trimmed and strings removed
2 cups water
1 teaspoon Kosher salt, optional

Directions:
1. Place vegetable steamer basket in 2-quart pan.
2. Rinse green beans in cold water. Snap ends off and remove string. Place in basket.
3. Add water and salt.
4. Over high-heat, bring water to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to medium.
5. Cook until beans are bright green and tender crisp; about 12 to 18 minutes.
6. Drain excess water. Transfer to serving bowl and serve immediately.

Simply Grilled Fresh Green Bean Recipe
It is best to use a grilling basket to keep beans from falling between grates. They can also be placed on top of a sheet of aluminum foil. Keep a close eye when cooking directly on the grate as there can be oil flare-ups resulting in burnt beans.

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes

Ingredients:
1 pound fresh green beans; washed, trimmed and strings removed
1/4 cup Olive Oil
Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper, to taste

Directions:
1. Preheat gas or charcoal grill to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Rinse green beans in cold water. Snap off ends and remove string. Pat dry with clean towel.
3. Place green beans in medium mixing bowl. Add olive oil, salt and pepper. Mix well.
4. Transfer beans to grill grate or to grilling basket or foil, if using.
5. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until beans are tender-crisp.
6. Remove from grill. Transfer to serving dish and serve immediately.

Simply Sesame Fresh Green Bean Recipe
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 tablespoon Sesame seeds
1 pound fresh Green beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
1/4 cup Vegetable or Chicken broth, organic, no salt
1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt

Directions:
1. Heat oil in 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add sesame seeds. When seeds start to darken, add green beans and stir until beans turn bright green.
2. Add vegetable or chicken broth, salt and pepper.
3. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, or until beans are tender-crisp.
4. Uncover and cook until liquid evaporates.
5. Transfer to serving bowl and serve immediately.

Simply Italian Fresh Green Bean Recipe
This recipe is a spin-off from Giada DeLaurentis of Everyday Italian at the Food Network. Her recipe quickly became one of our favorite side dishes. It's super easy to make and for about $1.50 per serving, you receive a great tasting, healthy side dish.

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:
2 cups Water
3 to 4 medium Red Potatoes, cut into bite-size pieces
3/4 pound fresh Green Beans
2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 large Tomato, chopped
2 teaspoons fresh Parsley, finely chopped
1/2 cup shredded Asiago and Parmesan cheese blend

Directions:
This recipe uses a vegetable steamer basket. If you don't have one, double the amount of water and boil the beans.

1. Place vegetable steamer basket in 2-quart pan.
2. Rinse green beans in cold water. Snap ends off and remove string. Place in basket.
3. Rinse potatoes, cut into bite-size pieces and add to green beans.
3. Add water and salt.
4. Over high-heat, bring water to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to medium.
5. Cook until beans are bright green and have a slight crunch. Drain excess water.
6. Wash and dry tomato, cut in quarters and remove seeds. Loosely chop skins.
6. Add olive oil to a large skillet. Heat oil over medium heat and add potatoes, beans, tomatoes and herbs. Stir frequently and heat until potatoes are light brown. Transfer to serving bowl, sprinkle with cheese and serve immediately.