Green beans and potatoes make for a delicious and classic combination in various culinary traditions. Here’s a simple recipe for green beans and potatoes:
Ingredients:
- Fresh green beans, trimmed
- Potatoes, peeled and diced
- Olive oil or butter
- Garlic, minced (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Herbs (such as thyme or rosemary) for added flavor (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Wash the green beans thoroughly and trim the ends.
- Peel and dice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
- Boil Potatoes:
- Place the diced potatoes in a pot of salted water.
- Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes until they are just tender but not mushy. This may take about 8-10 minutes, depending on the size of the potato pieces.
- Blanch Green Beans:
- In another pot, bring water to a boil and add a pinch of salt.
- Add the trimmed green beans to the boiling water and cook for about 2-3 minutes or until they are bright green and slightly tender.
- Immediately transfer the green beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This helps retain their vibrant color.
- Sautéing:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic if desired and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
- Combine and Season:
- Add the blanched green beans and boiled potatoes to the skillet.
- Toss everything together to coat with the oil or butter.
- Season with salt, pepper, and any herbs of your choice.
- Cooking Together:
- Allow the green beans and potatoes to cook together in the skillet for a few minutes until they are heated through and have absorbed the flavors.
- Serve:
- Once everything is well combined and seasoned to your liking, transfer the green beans and potatoes to a serving dish.
- Optional Additions:
- You can add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
This dish is versatile and can be adjusted based on your preferences. It’s a great side dish that complements various main courses, such as grilled chicken or roasted meats. Enjoy your green beans and potatoes!