Written by adam on Nov 24, 2007
Green Bean Casserole is Nasty Green Bean Alternative
Filed Under: Recipes
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Here at MIA Headquarters, we like to provide a public service from time to time. You know, aside from the usual food-related knowledge we provide. This issue comes around twice a year in my family, and this time I put my foot down and I put the beans where my mouth is.
That made much more sense in my head.
I hate that green bean casserole slop that you see on Thanksgiving tables across this country every year. I hate it. It's nasty. It combines flavors that were never meant to be together into a gelatinous goo that looks like it came out of Linda Blairs's mouth about thirty years ago. Really, the problems with green bean casserole go beyond anything I can really put down in this recipe commentary, so we may just have to save it for another time.
This year, I decided to make a simple, clean, and elegant alternative, using much of the same stuff that goes into green bean casserole, without all that mushy, soupy glop.
Ingredients
- About a pound or so of snap beans (It's about 5-6 good handfuls). Bread off the ends and snap them into lengths of about 1 inch.
- 3-4 TBSP salt
- 3 cloves garlic, sliced
- 1 small package baby portobello mushrooms, sliced
- 2 TBSP brandy
- 2 TBSP butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 TBSP sesame seeds
Fill up a large pot with water, about 3/4 full. Add the salt. Bring to a boil. Add the snapped beans, and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until just about al dente. Keep a careful watch over this pot. It will cook fast. Strain the beans and rinse in cold water for a few minutes, to arrest the cooking. Set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic slices and cook for 1-2 minutes. Now add the mushrooms and cook fast, about 2 minutes. Stir often, and don't let them cook too much.
Add the beans and brandy. Cook for about 2 more minutes. Now season with salt and pepper to taste. It may require a bit more salt than you think. Plate up and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Responses to "Green Bean Casserole is Nasty Green Bean Alternative" ...
I agree. This "tradition" must be stopped. Thanks for the recipe, after seeing this picture my lunch just wasn't appealing. I must have these green beans!!
I love the classic green bean casserole but this variation sounds delicious! I'll report back after I try it for myself. Thanks !
Since winter of 2004, I have been exploring the world of cooking and helping out my fellow men in their quests to better themselves in the kitchen. My name is Adam Byrd, you can learn more about me and my mission on my