Classic Green Bean Casserole

Introduction

Experience a delightful twist on the classic green bean casserole that will elevate your dining experience. This recipe introduces new flavors while keeping the comforting essence you love.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

800g fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into pieces

200g mushrooms, sliced

75g all-purpose flour

60ml olive oil

500ml vegetable broth

100ml heavy cream

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium onion, diced

100g crispy fried onions

Salt and pepper to taste

150g grated Parmesan cheese

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Yield: 6 servings

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add green beans, and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.

3. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking until translucent.

4. Add mushrooms to the pan and cook until they are soft and browned, about 5-7 minutes.

5. Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms, mix well, and cook for 1-2 minutes.

6. Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth and heavy cream, stirring continuously until thickened.

7. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, mixing until cheese melts smoothly into the sauce.

8. Combine cooked green beans with the mushroom sauce and mix well.

9. Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish, evenly spreading it out.

10. Top with crispy fried onions.

11. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.

12. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Detailed Directions and Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. Boil the Green Beans

Bring a pot of water to a boil, add the trimmed and cut green beans, and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.

3. Sauté Onions and Garlic

In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until they become translucent.

4. Cook the Mushrooms

Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook until they are soft and browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes.

5. Add Flour

Sprinkle flour over the cooked mushrooms, mix well, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

6. Add Broth and Cream

Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth and heavy cream, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens.

7. Stir in Cheese

Add grated Parmesan cheese, along with salt and pepper, mixing until the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce.

8. Combine Green Beans and Sauce

In a large bowl, combine the cooked green beans with the mushroom sauce and mix well.

9. Prepare for Baking

Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.

10. Add Topping

Top the casserole with crispy fried onions to create a crunchy layer.

11. Bake

Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.

12. Cool Before Serving

Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to enhance the flavors and make it easier to portion out.

Notes

Serving Suggestions

This casserole serves well as a side dish for family dinners or holiday gatherings.

Storage

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Substitutions

Feel free to substitute the heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative if you prefer a lighter or vegan version of this dish.

Additional Toppings

Consider adding other toppings like shredded cheese or fresh herbs for added flavor and customization.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration:

Store any leftover green bean casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Allow the casserole to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing:

You can freeze the casserole for longer storage. Make sure to let it cool entirely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will maintain its best quality for about 2-3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your green bean casserole as a side dish alongside roasted turkey, grilled chicken, or stuffed bell peppers for a complete meal. It pairs well with mashed potatoes, quinoa, or a fresh garden salad. For a festive touch, consider garnishing with additional crispy fried onions or fresh herbs like parsley before serving.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (approximate values):
– Calories: 300
– Protein: 10g
– Carbohydrates: 30g
– Dietary Fiber: 5g
– Sugars: 3g
– Total Fat: 15g
– Saturated Fat: 6g
– Cholesterol: 30mg
– Sodium: 400mg

Ingredient Substitutions

– **Green Beans:** Substitutable with frozen green beans; just adjust the cooking time.
– **Mushrooms:** Can be replaced with canned mushrooms or omitted entirely for a simpler version.
– **Olive Oil:** Substitute with butter or vegetable oil if preferred.
– **All-Purpose Flour:** Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
– **Vegetable Broth:** Chicken broth can be used for a non-vegetarian version, or vegetable stock for a vegetarian substitute.
– **Heavy Cream:** Replace with coconut cream or a cashew cream for a dairy-free variant.
– **Parmesan Cheese:** Nutritional yeast can be a dairy-free alternative, or use any grated cheese of your choice.

Cook Techniques

Blanching

Blanch the green beans in boiling water for a short period to retain their vibrant color and crisp texture before adding them to the casserole.

Sautéing

Sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil until translucent, and then add the mushrooms to create a flavorful base for the sauce.

Thickening

Sprinkle flour over the sautéed ingredients and cook briefly to eliminate raw flour taste, then gradually whisk in the vegetable broth and heavy cream.

Baking

Bake the casserole until the top is golden and crispy, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to bubble.

FAQ

Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen green beans, but make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the casserole.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative to make it dairy-free while maintaining a creamy texture.

How do I store leftover casserole?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and store it covered in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and check the labels on vegetable broth and fried onions to ensure they are gluten-free.

Conclusion

Experience the captivating harmony of flavors in this Green Bean Casserole with a Twist. This dish not only honors the traditional recipe but also invigorates it with rich mushroom sauce and a cheesy topping, making it a perfect addition to your family dinners and gatherings. Easy to prepare and delightful to savor, this casserole is sure to become a new favorite.

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