Green beans are a versatile vegetable that can be prepared in many different ways. While green beans have a pleasant, grassy flavor on their own, infusing them with other ingredients is an easy way to add more complex flavors. There are many techniques for infusing flavor into green beans that will turn this healthy side into a star attraction.
Should You Infuse Flavor into Green Beans?
Infusing green beans with extra flavor can elevate them from a boring side dish to something exciting. Here are some of the benefits of infused green beans:
- Adds new flavors – Infusions introduce new herbs, spices, oils, vinegars, etc. that complement the natural taste of green beans.
- Makes them more interesting – Infusions give green beans more complexity and dimension.
- Allows creativity – There are endless infusion possibilities to experiment with to find new favorite flavors.
- Improves nutrition – Many infusion ingredients, like herbs and spices, add health benefits.
- Change up your routine – Infusions give a new twist to plain old green beans.
So if you feel like your usual green bean preparations have gotten dull or you want to spice them up, infusing them with other big, bold flavors is a great way to go.
What to Infuse Green Beans With
There are so many potential ingredients that pair deliciously with green beans. Consider infusing them with any of the following:
Herbs and Spices
Fresh or dried herbs and spices are an easy way to add flavor. Try dill, basil, oregano, marjoram, rosemary, thyme, sage, tarragon, chives, cilantro, parsley, mint, garlic, shallots, etc. Spices like cumin, curry powder, chili powder, cayenne, paprika, coriander, turmeric, ginger also taste great with green beans.
Oils and Vinegars
For a hit of acidity and richness, toss green beans with olive oil, walnut oil, sesame oil, balsamic vinegar, sherry vinegar, white wine vinegar, rice vinegar or red wine vinegar.
Citrus
The bright acidity of lemon, lime, grapefruit or orange pairs nicely with green beans. Use zest or juice.
Nuts and Seeds
For crunch, try slivered or chopped almonds, walnuts, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, etc.
Alliums
Onions, shallots, leeks, scallions, garlic and chives add great savory flavor.
Bacon and Pancetta
The smokiness and saltiness of bacon or pancetta complement the natural flavors of green beans.
Cheese
Crumbled feta, goat, parmesan, pecorino, blue cheese, etc add richness.
Techniques for Infusing Green Beans
There are many different ways to infuse green beans with flavor. Consider these techniques:
Sautéing
Sauté green beans in olive oil or butter with desired herbs, spices, garlic, shallots, etc. The ingredients can permeate the beans and lightly cook.
Roasting
Roast green beans tossed with oil and seasonings in a hot oven until browned and caramelized.
Steaming
Steam green beans and top immediately with a flavored sauce, like a lemon or herb oil.
Blanching
Blanch green beans briefly in salted boiling water. Shock in an ice bath. Toss with a vinaigrette or pesto while the beans are still warm.
Marinating
Marinate raw or blanched green beans in a marinade or dressing for several hours or overnight. The acidic marinade will tenderize and infuse flavor.
Pickling
Pickle green beans in a brine of vinegar, water, salt, sugar and spices. This infuses tangy, spicy flavor.
Smoking
Toss green beans in oil and smoked salt for a deep, smoky flavor. Or use a smoker.
Grilling
Grill green beans in a grill basket over direct heat. Brush with oil and seasoning.
Recipe Ideas for Infused Green Beans
Here are just a few recipe ideas for infusing green beans with delicious flavors:
Lemon-Garlic Green Beans
- Ingredients: Green beans, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper
- Method: Sauté garlic in oil, then add green beans. Season with lemon juice, zest, salt & pepper.
Pesto Green Beans
- Ingredients: Green beans, basil pesto, pine nuts, parmesan
- Method: Blanche green beans, toss with pesto, pine nuts and parmesan.
Sesame-Ginger Green Beans
- Ingredients: Green beans, sesame oil, rice vinegar, ginger, sesame seeds
- Method: Blanche beans, marinate in dressing of oil, vinegar, ginger. Toss with sesame seeds.
Chipotle-Lime Green Beans
- Ingredients: Green beans, olive oil, chipotle peppers, lime juice, cilantro, salt
- Method: Sauté beans in oil, season with chipotles, lime juice, cilantro and salt.
Parmesan-Roasted Green Beans
- Ingredients: Green beans, olive oil, parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, garlic
- Method: Toss green beans with oil, cheese, panko and garlic. Roast in oven.
Harissa Green Beans
- Ingredients: Green beans, harissa paste, olive oil, lemon juice
- Method: Sauté beans in oil, add harissa for heat and acidity of lemon juice.
Tips for Infusing Green Beans
Here are some handy tips for getting the most flavor out of infused green beans:
- Go bold with seasoning. The beans can handle assertive flavors.
- Toss the raw beans with oil first to evenly coat before adding other ingredients.
- Sauté over high heat to sear in flavor while maintaining a crisp texture.
- Roast in a single layer on a sheet pan so all beans caramelize.
- Shock in an ice bath after blanching to stop cooking and set color.
- Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve flavor.
- Season with salt and pepper throughout the cooking process.
- Garnish with extras like nuts, cheese, citrus zest or fresh herbs.
Storing and Freezing Infused Green Beans
Properly storing infused green beans preserves freshness and flavor. Here are some tips:
Short-Term Storage
For best quality, enjoy infused green beans within 3-5 days. Store in refrigerator in an airtight container.
Long-Term Storage
Blanched, raw or cooked infused green beans can be frozen for 4-6 months. Steps for freezing:
- Blanch in boiling water for 2-3 minutes if freezing raw.
- Drain beans and immediately submerge in ice bath to stop cooking.
- Pat beans dry and spread in single layer on baking sheet. Freeze until solid.
- Transfer to freezer bags or airtight containers, removing as much air as possible.
- Freeze at 0°F or below.
To use frozen beans, simply thaw in refrigerator overnight and use as normal in cooked dishes.
Conclusion
Infusing green beans with bold, vibrant flavors like herbs, spices, oils, citrus and more is an easy way to transform the side dish into something special. The techniques like roasting, grilling, sautéing or marinating all lend themselves well to flavor absorption. Feel free to get creative and adventurous with ingredient pairings and seasoning. Infused green beans make for dynamic meal additions and side dishes with amazing taste.