When it comes to eating jade green beans, there are various delicious ways to enjoy them. One popular option is to make a classic Green Bean Casserole from scratch. This dish is often a staple during Thanksgiving and is loved by many.
To start, you will need to blanch the freshly harvested jade green beans. Blanching involves briefly boiling the beans and then quickly cooling them in ice water to preserve their vibrant color and crisp texture. Once blanched, drain the beans and let them come to room temperature before using them in the casserole.
To make the casserole, you can follow a basic recipe that typically includes ingredients like cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and French fried onions. However, my personal preference is to make it from scratch using fresh and wholesome ingredients.
First, prepare a homemade mushroom sauce by sautéing sliced mushrooms and onions in butter until they are softened and slightly caramelized. Then, add flour to create a roux and cook it for a minute or two to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in chicken or vegetable broth, followed by some milk, until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices.
Next, add the blanched jade green beans to the mushroom sauce and stir gently to coat them evenly. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top it with a generous amount of crispy fried onions. Bake in a preheated oven until the casserole is bubbly and the onions are golden brown and crispy.
Another way to enjoy jade green beans is to use them in a refreshing summer green bean salad. After blanching and cooling the beans, you can toss them with a variety of ingredients to create a flavorful and vibrant salad.
Here is a simple recipe for a green bean salad that I enjoy making:
Ingredients:
– Blanched and cooled jade green beans
– Cherry tomatoes, halved
– Red onion, thinly sliced
– Feta cheese, crumbled
– Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
– Fresh basil leaves, torn
– Lemon juice
– Extra virgin olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
In a large bowl, combine the blanched jade green beans with the cherry tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and torn basil leaves. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything gently until the ingredients are well combined and coated with the dressing.
Allow the salad to sit at room temperature for a while to let the flavors meld together. This salad is delicious served chilled or at room temperature, making it a perfect side dish for picnics, barbecues, or any summer gathering.
Jade green beans can be enjoyed in various ways, from the classic Green Bean Casserole to the refreshing Green Bean Salad. Whether you prefer a comforting and creamy casserole or a light and tangy salad, these versatile beans are sure to add a burst of flavor and freshness to your meals.
