| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 145 | 10g | 1.5g | 11g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 5g | 5g | 0.1g |
There’s something undeniably comforting about the recipe for Asparagus Beans with Garlic and Lemon. Drawing from my Boston roots and love for vibrant, fresh ingredients, this dish is a testament to why I adore cooking so much. There’s a simple elegance to it, but beneath that, it holds a strong influence from my Irish heritage tempered by my New England experiences. It’s a dish that fuses not just varied flavors, but cultures and a personal past that’s steeped in the love shared in kitchens for decades.
A Dish with Flavor and Health Benefits
The vitality of this Asparagus Beans with Garlic and Lemon recipe isn’t just found in its taste. As a food writer who cherishes not only taste but also health, I love that it is filled with nutritious benefits. Asparagus Beans, known too as Chinese Long Beans or Yardlong Beans, are robust in vitamins like A, C, and K. They offer a healthy serving of dietary fiber. Olive oil is loaded with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, and both garlic and lemon are reputed for their immunity-boosting properties.
If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of these ingredients, I recommend checking these trusted sources:
Healthline,
Medical News Today, and
NCBI.
A Recipe for Every Table
I’m now at a stage of life where every dish cooked is not just for my satisfaction, but for my family’s. And as simple as this recipe is to whip up, there’s a joy that makes cooking it so much more special. I often see my son play around while the aroma fills kitchen space. For Laura, my loving fiance and an enthusiastic taster, there’s a certain brightness in her eyes every time she digs into this. A perfect balance of tangy and savory gets her every time.
While this recipe holds its own as a standalone protein-packed vegetarian dish, it’s also an marvelous side to dishes like grilled chicken or seafood. Fans of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes would find it similar to ‘Loubieh Bil Zeit’, a Lebanese dish where green beans are simmered in olive oil with tomatoes and onions. So, whether it’s a family dinner, friendly potluck or a quiet solo meal, our Asparagus Beans with Garlic and Lemon recipe is versatile and gratifying in every sense.
If you’re eager to try this recipe, don’t wait. Make it, share it, and most importantly, savor every bite of it. Because that’s what good food is all about. Happy cooking!
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds of fresh asparagus beans
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Start by preparing your asparagus beans. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or dust. Then, trim off the tough, woody ends. Cut the beans into 1 to 2 inch pieces for easy cooking.
Step Two
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic. Cook the garlic until it’s just starting to turn golden brown. This should take approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can become bitter.
Step Three
Add the prepared asparagus beans to the skillet with the garlic. Stir everything together to ensure that the beans are fully coated in the garlic and oil. Allow the beans to cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes, or until they’re tender-crisp.
Step Four
While the beans are cooking, zest your lemon. Then, cut the lemon in half and get the juice. Set these aside for later use.
Step Five
Once the beans are cooked, lower the heat and add the lemon zest and juice to the skillet. Stir well to combine all of the ingredients. Season the beans with salt and pepper to taste. Let the beans cook for another 2 to 3 minutes so that they can absorb all the flavors.
Step Six
Remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the asparagus beans immediately while they’re hot, or let them cool to room temperature for a refreshing side dish. Enjoy your Asparagus Beans with Garlic and Lemon!
