Whether your prefer thick Romano beans, thin and tender haricots verts, or are simply a string bean lover, this time of year is for you!
Cutting out meat from your meals at least one day a week is great for your health and the health of the environment — and it doesn’t have to be difficult. With so many fresh vegetables to choose from, it’s easier than you think. Green beans are sprouting up everywhere you turn these days, so why not give them a go?
The folks at Meatless Monday address many common questions curious consumers have about following a meat-free diet. Here is one example:
Q. Do I need to worry about getting enough protein on Meatless Monday?
A. No. A protein deficiency is very rare, even in full-time vegetarians. As long as you’re eating enough calories to maintain a healthy weight and following the FDA’s healthy diet guidelines, you’re almost certain to get enough protein.
What’s good about green beans?
Aside from tasting terrific, green beans are low in calories and provide an excellent source of vitamins A, K and C, manganese, folate, iron, protein and fiber (among other nutrients)! Who knew big things came in small packages?
Bean basics
- Keep your fresh green beans stored in the fridge in a loose plastic bag for no more than a few days.
- Green beans can be cooked whole, snapped in half or cut diagonally for a French-cut style.
- Avoid serving mushy green beans by cooking them until they are crisp-tender. When you bite into the bean, it should have a slight crunch to it. Steam, boil or sauté them.
Many green bean recipes are made for side dishes or as salads, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying their goodness paired with another healthy and meat-free dish. Green beans can easily be added to many recipes to create a light meal. Check out your options!
Ravioli with green beans and brown butter sauce
Black and green bean barley salad
Pickled green beans
Molly Katzen’s eggplant, green beans and pumpkin in curry sauce
Greek bean and tomato casserole
Going green — and meat-free — at least one day a week is easier than you think. Follow some of these great recipes to make it even easier!
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