John Miller
Green bean casserole is a beloved holiday dish that has been a Thanksgiving tradition since its creation in 1955. The original recipe includes canned green beans, condensed mushroom soup, and French-fried onions. However, over the years, people have experimented with different ingredients and cooking methods to put a unique twist on the classic dish. Some variations include adding bacon, cheese, or fresh green beans instead of canned ones. While the original recipe calls for condensed mushroom soup, some people choose to make their own mushroom soup from scratch or use powdered mushrooms. Ultimately, the choice of ingredients depends on personal preference and the desired texture and flavor.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main ingredients | Green beans, mushrooms, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and French-fried onions |
| Variations | Bacon, cheese, garlic, red pepper, broccoli florets, butter, flour, soy sauce |
| Texture | Tender, soft, crunchy, crispy |
| Taste | Umami, smoky |
| Preparation | Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes |
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Fresh vs. canned green beans
Green bean casserole is a classic dish that has been a favourite for many years. While the recipe has several variations, it typically includes green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and fried onions. Some people also like to add bacon, cheese, and garlic to enhance the flavour and texture.
When it comes to choosing between fresh and canned green beans for this casserole, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, let's talk about convenience. Canned green beans are already cooked and softened, so they offer a quicker option as you won't need to blanch them like you would with fresh beans. Simply drain the canned beans and they're ready to use. On the other hand, fresh green beans require more preparation time, as you'll need to trim and cook them before adding them to the casserole.
Now, let's discuss texture and taste. Canned green beans are known for their tenderness, which some people prefer in a casserole. They provide a softer bite and blend easily with the other ingredients. In contrast, fresh green beans offer a slightly firmer texture, giving the dish a bit more bite. Fresh beans also provide a brighter colour and a crisp-tender quality that some cooks prefer.
Nutrition is another important factor to consider. Fresh green beans are higher in certain nutrients compared to canned green beans. For example, fresh beans contain more fibre, vitamin C, potassium, and folate. However, it's important to note that both options are nutritious and provide similar amounts of calcium, iron, and zinc. Additionally, the processing and storage methods of canned green beans can result in a higher sodium content, so if you're watching your salt intake, you may want to opt for fresh beans or look for low-sodium canned options.
Ultimately, the choice between fresh and canned green beans for your casserole comes down to personal preference. If you're short on time and prefer a softer texture, canned green beans are a convenient and tasty option. However, if you want to maximise nutrition and prefer a firmer bite, fresh green beans are the way to go. You can even experiment with both to find your preferred balance of convenience, texture, and flavour.
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Cream of mushroom soup
To make the soup, olive oil and butter are heated in a pot, followed by the addition of onions, salt, and pepper. Mushrooms are then added and cooked until softened. Garlic, wine, broth, tamari, and thyme are stirred in, and the mixture is simmered for about 15 minutes. The soup is then blended until smooth and returned to the pot. Cream is whisked in, and the soup is seasoned to taste. This homemade version offers a richer and more intense mushroom flavour compared to the canned alternative.
When used in green bean casseroles, the cream of mushroom soup is combined with other ingredients such as milk, soy sauce, and French-fried onions. The mixture is baked until hot and bubbling, and the onions are golden brown. This classic combination has been a favourite for over 60 years, with some variations including the addition of bacon, cheese, and different types of mushrooms.
The soup can also be customised to personal preferences. For a dairy-free option, olive oil can be used instead of a mix of oil and butter, and the cream can be omitted. Additionally, some people prefer to blend all the soup for a smoother consistency, while others like to add some texture by blending only a portion and stirring in cooked mushrooms at the end.
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Fried onions
To make homemade fried onions, start by slicing a white, yellow, or sweet onion into thin rings or strips. Some recipes suggest soaking the sliced onion in milk for a few minutes before coating them in flour, salt, and pepper. Shake off any excess flour, then deep fry the onions in avocado oil or another oil of your choice for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown. If you don't have a deep fryer, you can use a large skillet or pan. Place the fried onions on a paper-towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil, and continue frying the rest of the batch.
You can also bake the onions if you prefer. Toss the sliced onions in flour, then place them in an oven-safe dish or skillet and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes, or until golden brown. This method is simpler and less messy than frying, and the onions will still be crispy and delicious.
Whether you choose to fry or bake your onions, making them from scratch is a great way to elevate your green bean casserole. Homemade fried onions add a special touch to this classic dish, and are perfect for a holiday or Thanksgiving meal.
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Bacon
Green bean casserole is a popular side dish, especially during Thanksgiving. While the classic recipe includes cream of mushroom soup, canned green beans, and fried onions, many home cooks have put their own spin on the dish, including the addition of bacon.
When cooking the bacon, it is important to reserve some of the bacon grease, as this adds flavour to the dish. The bacon grease can be used to cook the other ingredients, such as onions and mushrooms. For a less messy option, you can use kitchen shears to dice the bacon directly into the pan.
Some recipes call for the addition of bacon bits, which can be store-bought or homemade. These can be added directly to the casserole without the need for frying. However, it is important to note that using bacon bits may not provide the same amount of bacon grease needed for cooking the other ingredients.
The combination of bacon and mushrooms in green bean casserole is a popular one, with the smoky flavour of the bacon complementing the mushrooms. This hearty and flavourful dish is perfect for a holiday gathering or a special family meal.
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Cheese
Green bean casserole is a popular dish, especially during Thanksgiving. While the classic recipe calls for cream of mushroom soup, fried onions, and canned green beans, many people like to add cheese to this dish to make it even more delicious and indulgent.
Monterey Jack cheese is another popular choice for green bean casserole. Its mild and creamy flavour and excellent melting properties make it a perfect fit for this dish. If you're looking for a substitute, mozzarella, gouda, or even cheddar can be used in its place.
For those who want to get creative with their cheese selection, havarti, fontina, gruyere, and parmesan cheese are excellent options. These cheeses can be shredded and mixed into the casserole or used as a topping. Adding a layer of cheese underneath the fried onions can also help achieve a crispy cheese crust.
When making green bean casserole with cheese, it's important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary slightly from the traditional recipe. Adjustments may be necessary to ensure the cheese melts properly and the other ingredients remain tender and cooked through.
Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with cheese, green bean casserole is a versatile dish that can be tailored to your taste preferences. So, feel free to get creative and enjoy the cheesy goodness!
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Frequently asked questions
A green bean casserole typically includes green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and fried onions. Some recipes also include cheese, garlic, and soy sauce.
Most recipes for green bean casserole include mushrooms, but it is possible to make this dish without them. For example, you could substitute the mushrooms with dry umumbi season or powdered mushrooms.
Button mushrooms are the most commonly used type of mushroom in a green bean casserole. However, other types of mushrooms such as baby bellas can also be used.
