A little 'bean math' along with a few fresh green bean recipes

I was sitting at the table cutting fresh green beans for dinner and thought about the face that I had a column to write for today’s paper. My topic was right there in my hands! Fresh green beans are Bud’s very favorite veggie, so when there are some ready to pick, which is usually just a handful, guess who gets to have them. It’s not me. I fix some fresh Swiss chard or peas which he doesn’t care for. It’s been a given that he always gets the first picking. Of course it’s recipes using green beans today. A little “bean math” for you. Wonder how many cups a pound of fresh beans makes? 1 lb green or wax (yellow) beans = 3 c. or 4-5 servings. 1 lb. fresh lima beans in pods = 2/3 c. shelled or 2 servings. Are they a healthy food? You bet! They have a good amount of fiber and vitamin C, and a fair amount of iron and potassium. I’ve had this recipe for 40 years. That’s how old my Farm Journal cook book is (printed in 1961) and I still make this hotdish!

GREEN BEAN AND MEATBALL BAKE
4 slices bacon, cut in 1/2” pieces
1 lb. ground beef
1 c. fine bread crumbs
1/2 t. salt
1 c. sour cream, divided (can use light)
1 egg, slightly beaten
2-1/2 c. fresh greens beans, cut in 1-1/2” pieces, cooked tender-crisp, drained
1 pkg (1-1/2 oz.) onion soup mix
1 can cream of mushroom or chicken soup, undiluted
Cook bacon in skillet; remove; drain and set aside. Save the drippings. In a medium bowl, combine next 5 ingredients, using 1/2 c. of sour cream. Shape into 12 meatballs; brown slowly in bacon drippings. In a medium bowl, combine onion-soup mix, mushroom soup and remaining 1/2 c. sour cream. Mix in bacon and beans; turn into a greased (or sprayed) 2 qt. casserole. Top with meatballs. Bake, covered, at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
Makes four-six servings.
Note: You may use your favorite meatball recipe rather the recipe given. This recipe doesn’t specify how many meatballs it makes from the mixture. I imagine it depends on the size. I’m guessing 10 or 12. Also, you can substitute 1-1/2 T. butter or margarine for the bacon drippings.

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BEAN AND MOZZARELLA SALAD
1 c. white wine vinegar
1/2 t. salt Scant
1/4 t. pepper
2 t. each, Dijon mustard and honey
2/3 c. extra-virgin olive oil
8 oz. mozzarella cheese, cut in 1/2” pieces
1/2 lb. each, fresh green and yellow beans (1-1/2 c. each)
1 c. grape tomatoes
8 c. torn Romaine lettuce
In a medium-size bowl, whisk together first 5 ingredients until smooth. Gradually whisk in oil and continue whisking until thickened; set aside. Cook beans for 7 minutes; drain. Put beans in a glass bowl and toss with 1/4 c. of dressing. Allow to cool to room temperature. Slice grape tomatoes in half. In a large bowl, gently combine tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, beans and 1/4 c. of the dressing. Serve salad with additional dressing on the side.
Makes six servings.
Nutritional value per serving: 367 calories, 9 g saturated fat, 11 g carbs, 4 g fiber, 30 mg cholesterol.

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GREEN BEANS AND ALMONDS
1 c. each, cut green beans and thinly sliced carrot rounds
2 T. canola or for sauteing
1 c. thinly slices cauliflower
1/2 c. sliced green onions with tops
1 c. chicken broth, slightly warmed - not hot
2 T. cornstarch Pinch of garlic powder
2 T. slivered almonds Saute beans and carrots in hot oil for 3-4 minutes.
Add cauliflower and onions; saute another 2 minutes or until degree of tenderness you wish. (There should be a little crunch to the veggies). Combine chicken broth, cornstarch and garlic. Add to veggies, stirring constantly until thickened. Add almonds just before serving.
Makes four servings.

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HERBED GREEN BEANS
1-1/2 lbs. fresh green beans cut in 1-1/2” pieces (4 c.)
1/2 c. minced onion
2 T. butter or margarine
3 T. lemon juice
1 T. snipped fresh parsley
1-1/2 t. snipped fresh thyme or 1/2 t. dried thyme leaves
1/4 t. paprika Cook green beans until crisp-tender.
Meanwhile, in a skillet saute onion in butter until tender but not browned. Add last 4 ingredients. Drain beans; add herb butter and stir to coat. Serve immediately.
Makes six servings.
Nutritional value per serving (prepared with margarine): 76 calories, 0 cholesterol, 10 mg carbs, 2 gm protein.

Thought for the Day: If you’re yearning for the good old days, just turn off the air conditioning!