are you a green bean fan?

last week i told you about the weekly "parties" we are having with the gang at martha stewart's every day food blog..this week's topic is "green beans"...when i saw this topic, my first thought was.."oh no!! now what??..i am not known for my green bean recipes...what am i going to talk about?".. so i went to the local farmer's market to see what was available..and hopefully get inspired... as i wandered through the market i kept looking at all the produce and thinking about all the fantastic possible combinations using green beans... i realized that i actually eat green beans quite a lot..i just did not think of them as a major part of the meal..you know how eggplant, or zucchini, or potatoes or corn, or salads can sometimes be the main dish? well...here's to green beans taking center stage.


spicy green beans in asian chili sauce served with rice?... green beans and potato salad with feta?... roasted green beans, tomatoes and garlic with balsamic drizzle?... are you inspired yet? vegetarians...these can be main dishes on a hot summer night..(actually anytime)..non-vegetarians..add your favorite protein...this week it is time to celebrate green beans...
and remember..to fully participate in the party...please comment and add your favorite green bean recipes... and don't forget to check out the martha stewart, every day food blog and the
a way to garden site to view even more recipes..as well as tips for growing, purchasing and storing...
spicy green beans in asian chili sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb fresh green beans (any kind will work..i usually like the chinese long beans with this, but today i am using haricots verts because that was what they had at the farmer's market)1/2 white onion diced
3 cloves garlic minced fine
2 tbsp chili paste
1/2 tsp red chili pepper flakes
1/4 c soy sauce
freshly ground black pepper
salt (if needed)

heat large skillet (or wok) over high heat until hot. add olive oil, green beans and onion and stir fry 4-6 minutes until beans are crisp tender..time will vary depending on thickness of beans.
stir in garlic, chili paste, red chili pepper, soy sauce and black pepper and cook an additional 1-2 minutes..taste and add salt if needed (the soy sauce and chili paste will usually add enough salt so taste before adding additional)
serve hot or at room temperature


green beans and potato salad with feta
1 1/2 lbs tiny new potatoes cut in halves or qtrs depending on size
1/2 lb fresh green beans ends trimmed and cut in half
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 sweet white onion, diced
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 tbsp chopped italian parsley
4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp cider vinegar
sea salt
freshly cracked black pepper


steam new potatoes until tender..remove from heat, drain and place in large bowl... steam the green beans until tender (about 4 minutes) and plunge in a bowl of ice water to stop them from cooking any further. drain and add to potatoes. add the bell pepper and onion to the bowl and combine.. add the feta and gently stir. in a mason jar, combine the olive oil, vinegar and parsley and shake jar..add salt and pepper to taste and shake again. pour dressing over salad and gently combine..allow to sit at room temperature for at least an hour to allow flavors to meld..serve at room temperature.
roasted green beans, tomatoes and garlic with balsamic drizzle
1 lb fresh green beans..ends trimmed and cut in half if you are using long beans
1/2 white onion sliced thin
6 cloves garlic peeled and cut into thin slices
1/2 pint cherry tomatoes
2 Tbsp toasted pine nuts
1 tbsp italian parsley, chopped
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
sea salt
freshly cracked black pepper
balsamic reduction (recipe listed in zucchini blog post of 7.31)

preheat oven to 400 degrees. place green beans, onions, garlic and tomatoes on rimmed baking sheet. drizzle with 2 tbsp of the olive oil and use your hands to combine oil with produce to ensure everything is well coated. sprinkle with salt and pepper and roast in oven until tomatoes just begin to collapse and beans are tender when pricked with a sharp knife, about 15-18 minutes...do not over cook beans..


remove from oven and place in a mixing bowl..gently combine cooked produce.. add pine nuts, parsley, remaining tbsp olive oil and salt and pepper to taste..combine again. place on serving platter and drizzle a bit of the balsamic reduction over the top..serve


enjoy your "green bean party!!" and don't forget to let me know what you think of these recipes..and to share your own favorites..
best,
diane
napa farmhouse 1885™
"live a green life of style"™