Baked green beans with béchamel: A Thanksgiving twist
Green beans are often just a side dish to the main course. However, both green and yellow pods baked under a creamy béchamel sauce can also serve as a standalone dish. In the United States, this type of casserole is typically served on Thanksgiving. It's especially worth making when seasonal vegetables are available.
You can bake both green and yellow beans under béchamel. Green beans are a bit spicier with a hint of bitterness, while yellow ones offer a milder and sweeter taste. If you want to add meat, choose ground beef, but be sure to fry it in a pan first to prevent the casserole from becoming watery. In a vegetarian version, you can add sun-dried tomatoes and feta cheese.
What to use green beans for
Many people don't appreciate the potential of green beans. Meanwhile, these springtime pods can also be a great component of one-pot meals or colorful salads. With green beans, you can prepare a variety of dishes, such as a delicious savory tart or a hearty breakfast omelet.
Recipe for baked green beans
When Americans prepare green beans for Thanksgiving, they often sprinkle them with fried onions. In this version, the onion is fried with garlic.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb green beans
- 1 onion
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 2 cups of milk
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 5 oz grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Wash the beans and trim the ends. Boil water in a pot, add a teaspoon of salt, and toss the beans into the boiling water for 2–3 minutes. Remove them into a colander and rinse with cold tap water.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a pan and sauté the sliced onion until soft; add the finely chopped garlic shortly after.
- When the vegetables start to become fragrant, add flour and mix well. After a moment, pour in the milk and stir vigorously to create a thick sauce.
- Transfer the blanched beans to a baking dish and mix with half of the Parmesan.
- Cover with béchamel sauce, sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan, and bake in an oven preheated to 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes.
