Green Beans With Mushrooms Recipe

Green beans and mushrooms are a classic combination that delivers both flavor and nutrition in every bite. This delightful dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or when you want to add some color and variety to your meals. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a must-try recipe for both beginner and seasoned cooks alike. Read on to discover how to make this dish, along with some helpful tips, substitutions, and variations to suit your taste.

What Are Green Beans With Mushrooms?

Green Beans with Mushrooms is a delicious side dish that combines the fresh, crisp texture of green beans with the earthy, savory flavor of cremini mushrooms. The dish is elevated with the addition of onions, butter, and a splash of chicken stock to create a warm and satisfying blend of flavors. It's simple enough for everyday cooking yet sophisticated enough to serve at holiday feasts. Whether you need a quick side for dinner or a vegetarian-friendly option at a larger event, this dish is sure to impress.

Ingredients List for Green Beans With Mushrooms

To make Green Beans with Mushrooms, you will need the following ingredients. These items are easily accessible, and most can be found in your pantry or local grocery store. Here's a breakdown of what you'll need:

• 1 ½ pounds fresh green beans, trimmed: Fresh green beans provide a crisp texture and bright flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt, plus more as needed: Salt enhances the flavor of the green beans and mushrooms. Diamond Crystal kosher salt is less salty than table salt, allowing for better control over seasoning.
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Black pepper adds a bit of warmth and enhances the flavor of the mushrooms and onions.
• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, thickly sliced: Cremini mushrooms offer a more earthy, robust flavor compared to white button mushrooms. Their meatier texture holds up well when sautéed.
• 1 small red onion, halved and thinly sliced: Red onions add sweetness and color to the dish. Shallots can be substituted if you prefer a milder onion flavor.
• 1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces: Butter adds richness to the dish and helps cook the vegetables to perfection.
• ¾ cup low-sodium chicken stock, plus more as needed: Chicken stock adds moisture and depth of flavor to the dish, enhancing the savory taste without overpowering the vegetables.

Substitutions and Variations

While this recipe is delicious as is, there are several ways you can modify it to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are some popular substitutions and variations:

• Vegetarian/Vegan Option: For a vegetarian version, simply substitute the chicken stock with vegetable stock. To make it vegan, replace the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
• Mushroom Varieties: Feel free to experiment with different types of mushrooms. Shiitake or portobello mushrooms can provide an even more intense, earthy flavor.
• Herbs and Spices: Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary to the dish for an aromatic boost. You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
• Garlic Lovers: For those who love garlic, consider adding a couple of minced garlic cloves when you sauté the onions and mushrooms.
• Citrus Zest: Adding a bit of lemon zest right before serving can brighten the flavors and provide a nice contrast to the richness of the butter.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Green Beans with Mushrooms is easy, and the entire dish comes together in just about 20-30 minutes. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you make this delicious recipe from scratch.

Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans

Start by rinsing the green beans under cold water to remove any dirt. Trim the ends using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors. Set the green beans aside in a large bowl.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Mushrooms

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt. Once melted, add the sliced red onions and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions become soft and translucent. Next, add the cremini mushrooms to the skillet. Cook the mushrooms for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until they release their moisture and begin to brown.

Step 3: Blanch the Green Beans

While the mushrooms are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the green beans and cook for about 3-4 minutes, just until they turn a bright green color and are slightly tender. Drain the beans and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This helps retain their vibrant color and crisp texture.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Once the mushrooms have browned and the onions are soft, add the blanched green beans to the skillet. Pour in the chicken stock and season the mixture with kosher salt and black pepper. Stir to combine and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the green beans to absorb the flavors and the liquid to reduce slightly.

Step 5: Adjust Seasoning and Serve

Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper if necessary. If you prefer more liquid, you can add an additional splash of chicken stock at this stage. Once everything is cooked to your liking, transfer the dish to a serving platter.

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

1. Trim and Rinse Green Beans: Ensure your green beans are washed and trimmed for a neat presentation.
2. Prepare the Mushrooms and Onions: Slicing the mushrooms and onions evenly ensures they cook at the same rate.
3. Blanch the Green Beans: Boil for 3-4 minutes to soften them slightly and maintain their color.
4. Sauté the Mushrooms and Onions: Cook in butter until tender and golden.
5. Combine with Chicken Stock: Allow the green beans to soak up all the savory flavors of the stock and mushrooms.
6. Season and Serve: Adjust the seasoning and plate the dish while it’s still warm.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Green Beans: Green beans can easily become mushy if overcooked. Stick to blanching them for 3-4 minutes for the perfect texture.
2. Skipping the Ice Bath: Cooling the green beans immediately after blanching helps maintain their bright green color and crisp texture.
3. Using Too Much Stock: Adding too much liquid can make the dish soggy. Stick to the recommended ¾ cup and add more only if needed.
4. Undercooking the Mushrooms: Mushrooms need time to release their moisture and develop a rich flavor. Be patient and let them brown properly before adding the green beans.

Serving and Presentation Tips

To make your Green Beans with Mushrooms look as good as they taste, here are some simple serving and presentation ideas:

• Serve on a Platter: Arrange the green beans in the center of a wide platter and scatter the mushrooms and onions over the top for an eye-catching display.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thyme over the dish just before serving to add a pop of color.
• Garnish with Nuts: Toasted almonds or walnuts add texture and richness to the dish.
• Drizzle with Olive Oil: For extra flavor, drizzle a little high-quality olive oil over the top before serving.

How to Serve Green Beans With Mushrooms

This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served alongside a variety of main courses. Pair it with roasted meats like chicken, turkey, or beef, or serve it with a hearty pasta dish. It also works wonderfully in a vegetarian spread or as part of a holiday feast. If you're preparing it for a larger gathering, consider making a double batch to ensure there's enough to go around.

Presentation Ideas for Green Beans With Mushrooms

If you're serving this dish at a special occasion, here are some creative ways to present it:

• Individual Servings: Serve the green beans and mushrooms in small, individual bowls for an elegant presentation at dinner parties.
• Colorful Garnishes: Sprinkle pomegranate seeds or dried cranberries over the dish to add festive color and sweetness, particularly around the holidays.
• Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: Serve the dish straight from the skillet for a rustic, family-style presentation.

Green Beans With Mushrooms Recipe Tips

• Use Fresh Green Beans: Fresh green beans have the best flavor and texture. If you're using frozen green beans, make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly.
• Don't Skip the Blanching Step: Blanching helps ensure the green beans are cooked perfectly—tender but still crisp.
• Adjust Liquid as Needed: Depending on your preference, you may want to add more or less chicken stock to achieve the desired consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time. Simply blanch the green beans and sauté the mushrooms and onions, but don't combine them until just before serving. Reheat in a skillet and add the chicken stock when you're ready to serve.

Q: Can I use frozen green beans?
A: Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them before using. Fresh green beans are recommended for the best texture.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Conclusion

Green Beans with Mushrooms is a classic, flavorful side dish that’s easy to make and pairs well with almost any meal. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual weeknight dinner or a festive holiday spread, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With the right balance of fresh vegetables, savory mushrooms, and aromatic onions, this dish is not only delicious but also nutritious. Give it a try today, and don't forget to experiment with the various substitutions and serving ideas for a personal touch!

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