Savory Green Beans with Herb-Infused Potatoes
Discover the delightful combination of tender green beans and perfectly cooked potatoes in this savory dish. This recipe strikes a balance between flavor and health, adhering to a Weight Watchers-friendly plan at just 3 points per serving. The secret lies in a pinch of sugar, which elevates the natural sweetness of the vegetables without compromising your dietary goals. Inspired by a classic family favorite, this dish is sure to win over even the pickiest eaters, making it perfect for family dinners. Pair it with roasted meats or enjoy it as a hearty vegetarian side. Enjoy the wholesome goodness with this simple yet delicious recipe!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
to cover (none)
kosher salt
1 tablespoon (none)
sugar
1 teaspoon (none)
very small red potatoes
1 lb (washed well, skins on)
fresh green beans
1 lb (stem ends snapped off, broken in half)
garlic
1 tablespoon (jarred) or 2-3 cloves (fresh, minced) (to taste)
unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (none)
additional salt
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring enough water to cover both the potatoes and green beans to a boil. Add the kosher salt and sugar to the water, stirring until dissolved.
2
While the water is heating, wash the red potatoes thoroughly and prepare them by leaving the skins on.
3
Once the water is boiling, add the prepared potatoes to the pot. Cover and cook until they are nearly tender, which typically takes around 20 minutes for small potatoes.
4
After 20 minutes, add the green beans to the pot, ensuring they are submerged. Bring back to a rolling boil and cook for approximately 7 minutes, or until the beans are bright green and tender.
5
Carefully drain the pot, returning the vegetables to the hot pot you were using. While still warm, toss them gently with either the jarred garlic or minced fresh garlic and the unsalted butter, allowing the heat to melt the butter.
6
Taste the mixture and adjust with additional salt if necessary. Serve warm and enjoy a heartwarming side dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Green Beans with Herb-Infused Potatoes?
It is a savory side dish featuring tender green beans and red potatoes tossed in a garlic and butter coating.
How many Weight Watchers points is this recipe?
This recipe is designed to be Weight Watchers-friendly at just 3 points per serving.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
What type of potatoes are used in this dish?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of very small red potatoes.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No, the potatoes should be prepared by leaving the skins on after washing them thoroughly.
Why is sugar added to the boiling water?
A teaspoon of sugar is used to elevate the natural sweetness of the vegetables without significantly affecting the health profile.
Can I use jarred garlic for this recipe?
Yes, you can use 1 tablespoon of jarred garlic as an alternative to fresh cloves.
How many garlic cloves should I use if I prefer fresh garlic?
You should use 2-3 cloves of fresh, minced garlic.
How long do the potatoes need to boil?
The potatoes should be boiled for about 20 minutes until they are nearly tender.
When do I add the green beans to the pot?
Add the green beans after the potatoes have already cooked for 20 minutes.
How long should the green beans cook?
The green beans should cook for approximately 7 minutes once the water returns to a rolling boil.
What is the target texture for the green beans?
The beans should be bright green and tender when finished.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
What type of salt is best for the boiling water?
The recipe recommends using 1 tablespoon of kosher salt in the boiling water.
How do I prepare the fresh green beans?
The stem ends should be snapped off and the beans broken in half.
Is this dish considered vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is a hearty vegetarian side dish.
What should I do after draining the vegetables?
Return them to the hot pot and toss them with garlic and butter while they are still warm.
Can I add more salt after the dish is cooked?
Yes, you can taste the mixture and adjust with additional salt as necessary before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for picky eaters?
Yes, it is described as a family favorite that is sure to win over even the pickiest eaters.
What main dishes pair well with these vegetables?
This dish pairs perfectly with roasted meats or can be enjoyed as a standalone vegetarian side.
How much water is required for boiling?
You need enough water to completely cover both the potatoes and the green beans.
Do I need to melt the butter beforehand?
No, the residual heat from the freshly drained vegetables will melt the butter as you toss them.
Is the garlic cooked in the pot?
The garlic is tossed with the hot vegetables after draining, allowing the heat to soften it without traditional frying.
Can I use different types of potatoes?
While red potatoes are recommended for their texture and skin, very small varieties work best for the timing of this recipe.
What are the main flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish is savory and herb-infused with a touch of sweetness and rich garlic butter notes.
Is this an easy recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe that involves simple boiling and tossing techniques.
Does the recipe include nutritional information like calories?
The provided data focuses on Weight Watchers points but does not specify exact calorie or macronutrient counts.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
If using fresh garlic, it should be minced; if using jarred, it can be used straight from the jar.
Should the water be salted before adding vegetables?
Yes, add the kosher salt and sugar to the water and stir until dissolved before adding the potatoes.
How is the dish served?
It should be served warm as a heartwarming side dish.