Green Beans: Big Bar Pan Portioning

There are many ways to cook green beans, and one popular method is to cook them on a big bar pan. One recipe suggests that you can cook them in a large skillet with a lid, or a cookie sheet if your skillet doesn't have a lid. First, bring 1/2 cup of water and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to a simmer over medium heat. Then, add 1 pound of green beans, cover, and cook for about 9 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are nearly tender. Finally, remove the lid and cook over medium-high heat until the liquid evaporates, which should take about 2 to 4 minutes.

How to cook green beans on a stove

Ingredients:

• Fresh green beans
• Olive oil or butter
• Garlic
• Salt
• Pepper
• Lemon (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans

Line up the green beans on a cutting board and trim the ends with a sharp knife. You can also snap off the ends by hand, but using a knife is faster.

Step 2: Heat the Oil or Butter

Choose a large skillet with a lid. Heat some olive oil or butter over medium-high heat.

Step 3: Add the Green Beans

Place the green beans in the skillet and toss them until they are coated in oil or butter. You can use tongs or a spoon for this step.

Step 4: Cook the Green Beans

Cover the pan and reduce the heat to medium. Cook the green beans for around 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. You want them to be blistered and tender but still have a little "snap."

Step 5: Add the Garlic and Other Ingredients

Remove the lid and add the minced garlic, stirring to coat the green beans. You can also add lemon zest and juice for extra flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the green beans immediately. They should be bright green and crisp-tender.

Tips:

• You can also add some red pepper flakes to the oil at the beginning for a spicier dish.
• To prepare ahead, you can boil or blanch the beans, then cool, dry, and store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, just toss them with garlic for a quick side dish.
• If you want to add a crunchy topping, try almonds, pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts. You can also add some crumbled bacon!

How to trim green beans fast

Trimming green beans can be a tedious task, but there are ways to speed up the process. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to trim green beans quickly:

Step 1: Gather Your Green Beans

Collect a handful of green beans, around 15 to 20 beans, and place them on a cutting board. Work swiftly to arrange them into a uniform pile, with all the beans lined up lengthwise. They don't need to be facing the same direction, as you will be cutting off both ends.

Step 2: Cut the First Ends

Ensure that all the ends of the beans are touching the edge of your knife. Hold the beans in one hand and cut off the ends in one swift motion.

Step 3: Cut the Other Ends

Quickly flip the beans over and push them towards your knife blade so that the other ends are now lined up. Grab the beans and slice off these ends.

Step 4: Optional - Cut into Bite-Sized Pieces

If your recipe calls for smaller pieces, you can now cut the beans to your desired size.

And that's it! You've trimmed your green beans in no time. Remember, you don't need to be perfect, and this method will help you trim a large batch of green beans efficiently.

Tips for Buying and Storing Green Beans:

When purchasing green beans, look for fresh, perky beans. Avoid those that appear sad, floppy, or speckled with black dots. You can use yellow wax beans or French green beans (Haricots verts), but keep in mind that they cook more quickly. If buying pre-trimmed beans, check the expiration date and avoid slimy or wet-looking beans.

Leftover trimmed green beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Now that you know how to trim green beans quickly, you can try out some delicious green bean recipes, like sautéed green beans, glazed green beans, or even a green bean casserole!

How to make ahead and reheat green beans

Making green beans ahead of time and reheating them can be a great way to save time and effort, especially if you're preparing a larger meal. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make ahead and reheat green beans:

Preparing the Green Beans:

• Start by rinsing the green beans under cold running water to remove any dirt or residue.
• Cut the stems off the green beans. You can also trim the tip of the beans if desired, but it's not necessary.
• Bring a saucepan of water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook them until they are crisp-tender. This usually takes around 3-4 minutes. You can also blanch the green beans by boiling them for a shorter time, about 1-2 minutes, to preserve their bright green colour and crisp texture.
• Drain the green beans and immediately rinse them under cold running water or place them in an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This step is crucial to prevent overcooking and maintain their crisp texture.
• Dry the green beans thoroughly with paper towels or a clean dish towel.
• At this point, you can choose to store the cooked green beans in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Place them in an airtight container or sealable bag and make sure they are completely dry before storing.

Reheating the Green Beans:

• When you're ready to serve the green beans, heat some olive oil or butter in a skillet or saucepan over medium heat. You can also use a combination of both for extra flavour.
• Add crushed or minced garlic to the pan and cook for a few seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
• Add the cooked green beans to the pan and toss them with the garlic. You can also add other seasonings like red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste.
• Cook the green beans until they are heated through, about 2-3 minutes. If you blanched the green beans, you may need to cook them a bit longer until they reach your desired doneness.
• Serve the green beans immediately while they're hot. You can also garnish them with chopped parsley or sesame seeds for extra flavour and texture.

Tips for Making Ahead and Reheating:

• It is recommended to use fresh green beans for the best texture and flavour. Canned or frozen green beans may become too soft and are not ideal for this method.
• When boiling the green beans, use the least amount of water possible and avoid overcooking them. They should be crisp-tender, not mushy.
• If you're cooking a large quantity of green beans, use separate pans to ensure even cooking and better flavour.
• If you're short on time, you can purchase cleaned, ready-to-cook green beans from the produce section of your grocery store.
• When reheating the green beans, avoid overcooking them. Use the least amount of cooking time possible to retain their crisp texture.
• You can also reheat the green beans in the microwave for about 90 seconds per serving if you're short on time.

Green bean recipe variations

Green beans are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some recipe variations to try:

Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic

This classic preparation involves simmering the beans until bright green and tender, then tossing them with garlic until golden and crispy. It's a simple and neutrally-pitched dish that can be served as a side with almost anything, from Western to Asian cuisines.

Glazed Green Beans

This recipe combines green beans, butter, water or stock, garlic cloves, salt, and pepper in a skillet. After cooking, top the beans with shaved Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked pepper for a tasty finish.

Simple Sauteed Green Beans

This recipe is perfect for those who want a healthy side dish in just 15 minutes. All you need is fresh string beans, olive oil, red pepper flakes, garlic, and salt. The key is to blister the beans in hot oil before adding the garlic and salt. Finish by steaming them with a little water to achieve the perfect crisp-tender texture.

Buttery Garlic Green Beans

This recipe involves simmering the green beans until just tender, then adding butter, garlic, and lemon-pepper seasoning to the skillet. It's a quick and easy dish that brings out the best in fresh green beans.

Green Bean Casserole

For a richer dish, try a green bean casserole. This can be a simple combination of green beans, a creamy avocado dressing, or a more indulgent option with a creamy Parmesan sauce and bacon.

Asian-Inspired Green Beans

To give your green beans an Asian twist, add some minced ginger, a drizzle of toasted sesame oil, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This variation pairs well with Asian dishes or can be served as a unique side.

How to cook green beans without blanching

There are several ways to cook green beans without blanching them first. Here are some simple methods to achieve tasty, tender beans without the extra step of blanching.

Sautéed Green Beans

This is a quick and easy way to cook green beans without blanching.

Ingredients:

• Green beans
• Olive oil or butter
• Garlic
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

• Start by trimming the stem ends from the green beans and cutting away any bad spots. You can also trim the pointy tips if they look scraggly.
• Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the garlic and red pepper flakes (optional) to the skillet and stir to coat in the oil.
• Add the green beans and cook, stirring often, until the beans are lightly browned and blistered, about 5-7 minutes.
• Add the salt and pepper and continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds more.
• Add a splash of water and immediately cover the skillet with a lid or foil.
• Steam the green beans for 1-2 minutes until they are bright green and crisp-tender.
• Serve immediately.

Glazed Green Beans

This method involves cooking the green beans in a skillet with a small amount of liquid to create a light, buttery glaze.

Ingredients:

• Green beans
• Butter
• Water or stock
• Garlic cloves, crushed but not peeled
• Salt and pepper
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

• Combine the green beans, butter, water or stock, and garlic cloves in a large skillet.
• Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.
• Cover the skillet and cook over medium-high heat until the liquid is simmering.
• Reduce the heat to low and cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender but not mushy.
• Remove the lid and toss the beans in the sauce.
• Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
• Transfer the beans to a serving dish and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips for Cooking Green Beans:

• Choose fresh, perky green beans that are not floppy or speckled with black dots.
• You can also use frozen green beans, but they will be softer in texture.
• Avoid overcooking the beans, as this can make them tough and mushy.
• Get creative with seasonings and add-ins! Try herbs, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, nuts, bacon, sesame oil, or cheese.

Now you're ready to cook delicious green beans without blanching! Enjoy experimenting with different recipes and techniques to find your favorite way to prepare this versatile vegetable.

Frequently asked questions