Garlic and Tomato Sautéed Green Beans
Experience the delightful flavors of fresh green beans sautéed with aromatic garlic and vibrant tomatoes. This simple yet elegant dish pays homage to the beloved Olive Garden recipe, offering a healthy vegetable side that complements any meal. With perfectly tender green beans tossed in olive oil and enhanced by garlic and diced tomatoes, this recipe is not only quick to prepare but also packed with nutrients. Enjoy a burst of Italian-inspired flavors with every bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh green beans
1 lb (cleaned and ends removed)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (N/A)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Tomatoes
1/2 cup (deseeded and diced)
Salt
as needed (N/A)
Ground black pepper
as needed (N/A)
Instructions
1
Begin by washing the fresh green beans thoroughly and removing the ends.
2
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the green beans and blanch them for just one minute. This quick cooking step retains the beans’ bright color and crunchy texture.
3
Immediately drain the green beans and plunge them into cold water to halt the cooking process. This will help keep them crisp.
4
In a large nonstick frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm up for about a minute.
5
Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for approximately one minute, until fragrant but not browned. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
6
Next, add the blanched green beans to the pan and cook them for an additional minute, stirring regularly to ensure even cooking.
7
Mix in the diced tomatoes and continue to cook the mixture until the green beans are tender yet still bright green. If needed, add a splash of water and cover the pan to steam the beans slightly, which will help them soften.
8
Finally, season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
9
Serve the green beans immediately while warm, garnished with additional tomatoes if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Garlic and Tomato Sautéed Green Beans?
It is a healthy vegetable side dish featuring fresh green beans sautéed with aromatic garlic and vibrant diced tomatoes, inspired by the Olive Garden recipe.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
This recipe requires 6 ingredients including fresh green beans, olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, salt, and black pepper.
Is this green bean recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it uses olive oil and fresh vegetables without any animal products.
How should I prepare the green beans?
The green beans should be washed thoroughly with the ends removed before cooking.
What is blanching and why is it used here?
Blanching involves boiling the beans for one minute and then plunging them into cold water to retain their bright green color and crunchy texture.
How long do I boil the green beans?
The green beans should be blanched in boiling salted water for exactly one minute.
What type of oil is best for this dish?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of olive oil to achieve an authentic Italian-inspired flavor.
How much garlic is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 minced garlic cloves.
How do I prepare the tomatoes for this dish?
You should use 1/2 cup of tomatoes that have been deseeded and diced.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Sauté the minced garlic over medium heat for about one minute until fragrant, making sure it does not brown or burn.
What type of pan should I use?
A large nonstick frying pan is recommended for sautéing the green beans and garlic.
How do I ensure the green beans are tender?
If the beans are too firm, you can add a splash of water and cover the pan to steam them slightly until they reach the desired tenderness.
What are the primary seasonings used?
The dish is seasoned simply with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
How long is the total cooking time in the pan?
The garlic takes 1 minute, the beans take another minute of sautéing, and then you cook slightly longer with tomatoes, making it a very quick process.
Can I serve this dish cold?
The recipe recommends serving the green beans immediately while they are still warm.
Is this a gluten-free recipe?
Yes, all the ingredients used—green beans, tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil—are naturally gluten-free.
What makes this dish healthy?
It is packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables and uses heart-healthy olive oil instead of butter or heavy sauces.
What can I garnish this dish with?
You can garnish the finished dish with additional diced tomatoes for extra color and freshness.
Why do I need to put the beans in cold water after boiling?
Plunging them into cold water halts the cooking process, which prevents them from becoming mushy and keeps them crisp.
What heat setting should I use for sautéing?
Medium heat is ideal for warming the oil and sautéing the garlic and vegetables without scorching them.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy recipe with simple steps and minimal ingredients.
How many green beans are needed?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of fresh green beans.
Does this recipe have an Italian influence?
Yes, it features Italian-inspired flavors such as garlic, olive oil, and tomatoes, similar to dishes found at Olive Garden.
Should the tomatoes be peeled?
The recipe does not require peeling, just deseeding and dicing them.
Can I use ground garlic instead of fresh cloves?
Fresh minced garlic is recommended for the best aroma and flavor, though you could substitute if necessary.
How do I know when the dish is finished?
The dish is ready when the beans are tender to the bite but still maintain a bright green appearance.
Do I need to add salt to the boiling water?
Yes, bringing a pot of salted water to a boil is recommended for the blanching step.
What is the texture of the finished beans?
The beans should be tender yet crisp, rather than soft or mushy.
Can I use black pepper from a shaker?
While you can use any pepper, freshly ground black pepper provides the best flavor enhancement.
Is this a good side dish for a large meal?
Absolutely, it is an elegant and simple side dish that complements almost any main course.