Green Beans With Mushrooms Recipe

Green beans with mushrooms are a classic side dish that combines fresh, crunchy green beans with the savory, earthy flavor of mushrooms. This simple yet flavorful recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings. The combination of fresh vegetables, aromatic onion, and rich chicken stock creates a comforting and satisfying dish that's also packed with nutrients. Read on to discover how you can make this delicious dish, along with tips, substitutions, and step-by-step instructions to ensure success in your kitchen.

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What are Green Beans with Mushrooms?

Green beans with mushrooms is a simple vegetable dish that marries the fresh crispiness of green beans with the umami-rich taste of cremini mushrooms. The vegetables are lightly sautéed with butter and chicken stock, which gives the dish a savory richness. Onion, whether it’s red onion or shallots, adds an additional layer of flavor, making this side dish versatile and suitable for many types of meals. Whether you're serving it alongside a roast chicken or incorporating it into a larger vegetarian feast, this dish is always a hit.

Ingredients List for Green Beans with Mushrooms

To make this delicious side dish, gather the following ingredients:

1. 1 ½ pounds fresh green beans – Trimmed of their ends to maintain uniformity in size and to ensure even cooking.
2. 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt – This specific type of salt helps balance the flavors, but any kosher salt can be used.
3. ¼ teaspoon fresh black pepper – For a hint of mild spice that complements the other ingredients.
4. 8 ounces cremini mushrooms – Thickly sliced to give a hearty texture. Cremini mushrooms have a rich, meaty flavor that works well in this dish.
5. 1 small red onion – Halved and thinly sliced to bring a mild sweetness and color. Shallots can also be substituted for a more delicate flavor.
6. 1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter – Provides a rich base for the vegetables to sauté.
7. ¾ cup low-sodium chicken stock – Adds depth to the dish without overpowering the natural flavors of the green beans and mushrooms.
8. Additional salt and pepper – Adjust seasoning as needed to taste.

Substitutions and Variations

This green beans and mushrooms recipe can be easily adapted to suit different dietary preferences or ingredient availability. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations:

1. Vegetarian or Vegan – If you're looking to make this dish vegetarian or vegan, simply substitute the chicken stock with vegetable broth. For a vegan version, swap out the butter for olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
2. Different Mushrooms – While cremini mushrooms are a popular choice for their flavor, you can also use other varieties like button mushrooms, shiitake, or even portobello mushrooms for a more intense taste.
3. Add Nuts – Add a crunchy texture to the dish by sprinkling toasted almonds or pine nuts on top just before serving.
4. Herbs – Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can enhance the flavor profile of this dish. Adding a few sprigs of these herbs while sautéing the vegetables brings an aromatic touch.
5. Garlic – For garlic lovers, add a couple of minced garlic cloves when sautéing the onions to bring an extra layer of flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients and optional substitutions ready, let's move on to how to make this dish.

1. Prepare the green beans – Rinse and trim the green beans by removing the ends. You want them to be uniformly trimmed to ensure they cook evenly.
2. Blanch the green beans – Bring a large pot of water to a boil, adding a generous pinch of salt. Once boiling, add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until they are tender yet still crisp. Drain the beans and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water. This will stop the cooking process and preserve their bright green color.
3. Sauté the onions and mushrooms – In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the sliced red onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender and browned.
4. Add the green beans – Drain the blanched green beans and add them to the skillet with the onions and mushrooms. Toss everything together and sauté for another 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.
5. Pour in the stock – Add the chicken stock to the skillet and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the green beans and mushrooms to absorb the flavors of the stock. If the dish looks dry, you can add a little more stock as needed.
6. Season to taste – Taste the dish and add salt and pepper as needed. Stir well to make sure the seasoning is evenly distributed.

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

Cooking green beans with mushrooms may seem simple, but there are a few key steps to ensure everything comes together perfectly. Here’s a quick breakdown of the process:

1. Blanch the Green Beans – This ensures they stay crisp and bright green.
2. Sauté Onions and Mushrooms Separately – Cooking them in the butter first ensures they develop a rich, caramelized flavor.
3. Combine and Simmer with Stock – Adding the stock at the end gives the vegetables time to absorb the flavor without overcooking.
4. Season Carefully – Taste before adding extra salt, as the stock and butter already contribute to the seasoning.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While this dish is straightforward, a few common mistakes can detract from the final product. Avoid the following:

1. Overcooking the green beans – Green beans can easily become mushy if overcooked. Blanching them briefly ensures they stay crisp.
2. Not browning the mushrooms – Mushrooms need time to brown and release their moisture. If they are crowded in the pan, they’ll steam instead of sauté.
3. Under-seasoning – Be sure to taste the dish before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
4. Skipping the ice bath for green beans – Skipping this step will cause your beans to overcook and lose their vibrant color.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Green beans with mushrooms are versatile and easy to pair with many main courses. Here are some ideas on how to serve and present this dish.

How to Serve Green Beans with Mushrooms

1. As a Side Dish – Serve alongside roasted meats like chicken, turkey, or beef. The savory and umami flavors complement most proteins.
2. On a Holiday Table – Green beans with mushrooms is a classic dish that works well for holiday meals, like Thanksgiving or Christmas. It's a light and healthy side that balances out heavier items like mashed potatoes or stuffing.
3. In a Vegetarian Feast – Serve as part of a plant-based spread, alongside grains, legumes, and other vegetable dishes.

Presentation Ideas for Green Beans with Mushrooms

1. Serve in a Rustic Skillet – Serving directly from the skillet gives the dish a cozy, homestyle feel.
2. Top with Fresh Herbs – Garnish the finished dish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme for a pop of color and extra flavor.
3. Add Toasted Nuts – A sprinkle of toasted almonds or hazelnuts adds both crunch and elegance to the presentation.

Green Beans with Mushrooms Recipe Tips

1. Make Ahead – You can blanch the green beans and sauté the mushrooms a day ahead to save time. Just reheat everything in the skillet before serving.
2. Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh green beans and mushrooms make a big difference in flavor compared to canned or frozen vegetables.
3. Taste as You Go – Adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process to ensure the dish is flavorful and balanced.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, but the texture will be softer. Be sure to thaw and drain the beans before cooking.

What other vegetables can I add to this dish?
You can add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra color and variety.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the components a day ahead and reheat everything before serving.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.

Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
Yes, olive oil can be substituted for butter to make the dish dairy-free or to give it a lighter taste.

Conclusion

Green beans with mushrooms is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that's perfect for any meal. Whether you're making it for a holiday gathering or a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With its vibrant colors, savory taste, and easy preparation, it's a dish that will keep you coming back for seconds.

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