Comforting Mashed Green Beans with Potato
Experience a taste of South African comfort food with this delightful stewed green beans dish! A humble recipe perfect for utilizing older green beans, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a heartwarming side that pairs beautifully with roast meats and hearty stews. The combination of soft green beans, tender potatoes, and sweet onions creates a creamy texture, while a hint of nutmeg adds depth of flavor. Not only is this dish comforting and satisfying, but it can also be made in larger quantities, making it perfect for family gatherings or meal prep. Enjoy the robust, earthy flavors that evoke memories of traditional farm meals!
4
Servings
63
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Green beans
14 ounces (washed and trimmed)
Potato
1 medium (peeled and sliced)
Onion
1 medium (peeled and sliced)
Sugar
1/2 teaspoon (none)
White pepper
1/3 teaspoon (to taste)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Nutmeg
1/3 teaspoon (garnish, optional)
Butter
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Wash and trim the green beans, removing the ends. Consider using more beans and an additional potato if serving more than four people.
2
Slice the beans crosswise into rounds, varying from thin slices to 1 inch long. Continue until all the beans are cut.
3
In a large pot, layer the sliced potatoes and onions over the green beans.
4
Add approximately 1/3 cup of water, along with sugar, white pepper, and salt. Do not mix the ingredients at this point.
5
Cover the pot and bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let simmer gently.
6
Allow the mixture to simmer until all the vegetables are very soft, typically about 20-30 minutes.
7
Once everything is soft, use a potato masher or a fork to gently mash the mixture. Aim for a textured consistency and avoid pureeing.
8
If there is excess liquid remaining, drain it off using a sieve, or simmer over high heat to evaporate some of the liquid—be careful to avoid burning the vegetables.
9
Stir in a generous knob of real butter, folding it through the mixture until melted and creamy. Optionally, sprinkle with nutmeg before serving.
10
This dish can be made ahead of time; the flavors improve when allowed to sit and can be easily reheated as a comforting side.
Nutrition Information
2.5g
Fat
9.5g
Carbs
1.5g
Protein
2g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Comforting Mashed Green Beans with Potato?
It is a traditional South African side dish made by simmering green beans, potatoes, and onions until soft, then mashing them together with butter and spices.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe is a staple of South African cuisine, often associated with farm-style cooking and hearty comfort food.
Can I use older green beans for this dish?
Yes, this dish is perfect for utilizing older green beans as the slow simmering and mashing process makes them tender and delicious.
What ingredients do I need?
You will need green beans, a medium potato, a medium onion, sugar, white pepper, salt, butter, and optionally nutmeg.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
How should I prepare the green beans?
Wash and trim the ends of the beans, then slice them crosswise into rounds varying from thin slices to one inch long.
Do I need to peel the potato?
Yes, the recipe recommends using one medium potato that has been peeled and sliced.
How do I layer the ingredients in the pot?
Layer the sliced potatoes and onions directly over the trimmed and sliced green beans in a large pot.
Should I mix the vegetables before cooking?
No, you should add the water and seasonings without mixing the ingredients at the start of the cooking process.
How much water is required?
Add approximately 1/3 cup of water to the pot to facilitate the simmering process.
What is the cooking method for this dish?
Bring the pot to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently.
How long does it take for the vegetables to cook?
The vegetables typically need to simmer for about 20 to 30 minutes until they are very soft.
What tools should I use to mash the vegetables?
You can use a standard potato masher or a fork to gently mash the mixture.
What should the final texture be?
Aim for a textured consistency rather than a smooth puree to maintain the rustic feel of the dish.
What do I do if there is excess liquid after cooking?
You can either drain the excess liquid using a sieve or simmer the mixture over high heat to evaporate the moisture, being careful not to burn the vegetables.
When should I add the butter?
Stir in a generous knob of real butter after mashing the vegetables and removing any excess liquid.
Is nutmeg required for this recipe?
Nutmeg is optional but recommended as a garnish to add a hint of warmth and depth to the flavor.
Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Yes, the flavors improve when allowed to sit, and the dish can be easily reheated before serving.
What are some suggested pairings for this side dish?
It pairs beautifully with roast meats, hearty stews, and other traditional farm-style meals.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 63 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this dish?
Each serving contains about 2.5 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 9.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this dish provide dietary fiber?
Yes, each serving provides approximately 2 grams of fiber.
Is there protein in this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 1.5 grams of protein.
Can I scale this recipe for more people?
Yes, you can easily use more beans and an additional potato if you are serving more than four people.
What type of pepper is used for seasoning?
The recipe calls for white pepper to provide a subtle, earthy heat.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, because it reheats well and the flavors develop over time, it is an excellent choice for meal prep.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as a Vegetable side dish.
Why is sugar used in this recipe?
A small amount of sugar is used to enhance and balance the natural sweetness of the onions and green beans.
What makes this dish unique?
Its uniqueness comes from the traditional South African technique of stewing and mashing beans with potatoes to create a creamy, comforting texture.