Marilyn’s Green Beans Italiano: A Flavorful Family Favorite Recipe

Green beans, a humble vegetable often relegated to the side dish status, can be transformed into a culinary masterpiece with the right recipe. Today, we’re diving into Marilyn’s Green Beans Italiano, a dish that elevates simple green beans to a symphony of Italian flavors. This recipe is a beloved family favorite, passed down through generations, and it’s sure to become a staple in your own kitchen too. It’s packed with savory goodness, easy to make, and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

## What Makes Marilyn’s Green Beans Italiano Special?

What sets this green bean recipe apart from the rest? It’s the harmonious blend of fresh ingredients and simple techniques that create a truly remarkable dish. The star of the show, of course, is the fresh green beans, but the supporting cast of garlic, tomatoes, basil, and Parmesan cheese elevates the dish to another level. The combination of these ingredients creates a rich, savory flavor that is both comforting and satisfying.

Here’s a breakdown of what makes this recipe so special:

* **Fresh Ingredients:** Using fresh green beans, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil makes a world of difference in the final flavor. While frozen green beans can be used in a pinch, fresh beans offer a superior texture and taste.
* **Garlic Infusion:** Garlic is a cornerstone of Italian cuisine, and it plays a crucial role in this recipe. Sautéing the garlic in olive oil releases its aromatic compounds, infusing the entire dish with its savory essence.
* **Tomato Tang:** Tomatoes add a touch of acidity and sweetness that balances the richness of the other ingredients. Using ripe, juicy tomatoes is key to achieving the best flavor.
* **Basil Aroma:** Fresh basil is the quintessential Italian herb, and its fragrant leaves add a burst of freshness and complexity to the dish. Adding it at the end of cooking preserves its delicate aroma and flavor.
* **Parmesan Perfection:** Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami-rich element that elevates the overall flavor profile. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese at the end adds a touch of elegance and sophistication.
* **Ease of Preparation:** Despite its complex flavors, Marilyn’s Green Beans Italiano is surprisingly easy to make. With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious and satisfying dish on the table in no time.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the instructions, let’s gather the ingredients you’ll need to make Marilyn’s Green Beans Italiano:

* **1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed** (See tips below on how to select and trim green beans)
* **2 tablespoons olive oil** (Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its flavor)
* **4 cloves garlic, minced** (Freshly minced garlic is always best)
* **1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained** (You can also use fresh diced tomatoes, about 2 cups)
* **1/2 teaspoon dried oregano**
* **1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)**
* **Salt and pepper to taste**
* **1/4 cup chopped fresh basil**
* **1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese**

### Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

* **Green Beans:** Fresh green beans are preferred for their crisp texture and vibrant flavor. Look for beans that are firm, smooth, and bright green. Avoid beans that are wilted, discolored, or have blemishes. If you must use frozen green beans, thaw them completely and pat them dry before using.
* **Olive Oil:** Extra virgin olive oil adds a rich flavor to the dish. If you don’t have extra virgin olive oil, you can use regular olive oil or another vegetable oil.
* **Garlic:** Freshly minced garlic is essential for this recipe. Jarred minced garlic can be used in a pinch, but it won’t have the same intense flavor.
* **Tomatoes:** Canned diced tomatoes are a convenient option, but fresh diced tomatoes will add a brighter flavor. If using fresh tomatoes, peel and seed them before dicing.
* **Oregano:** Dried oregano adds a warm, earthy flavor to the dish. You can also use fresh oregano, but you’ll need to use about twice as much.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat to the dish. If you don’t like spicy food, you can omit them.
* **Basil:** Fresh basil is the key to adding a bright, aromatic flavor to the dish. Dried basil can be used in a pinch, but it won’t have the same fresh taste.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami-rich flavor to the dish. You can use grated Parmesan cheese or shaved Parmesan cheese. Pecorino Romano cheese can also be used as a substitute.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have all of our ingredients ready, let’s get started on making Marilyn’s Green Beans Italiano. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and satisfying dish:

1. **Prepare the Green Beans:** Wash the green beans thoroughly. Trim the ends by snapping them off or cutting them with a knife. You can leave the green beans whole or cut them in half, depending on your preference.
2. **Sauté the Garlic:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. **Add Tomatoes and Seasonings:** Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. **Cook the Green Beans:** Add the green beans to the skillet and stir to coat them with the tomato sauce. Cover the skillet and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the green beans are tender-crisp. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. **Finish with Basil and Parmesan:** Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
6. **Serve and Enjoy:** Serve Marilyn’s Green Beans Italiano immediately as a side dish. It pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, fish, or pasta.

### Detailed Instructions with Visuals

Let’s elaborate each step with a little more detail and considerations for best results:

**Step 1: Preparing the Green Beans**

The quality of your green beans directly affects the final outcome of the dish. Here’s how to prepare them perfectly:

* **Washing:** Wash the green beans under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris.
* **Trimming:** The ends of green beans can be tough and fibrous, so it’s important to trim them off. You can either snap them off with your fingers or cut them with a knife. I personally prefer snapping them as it gives a slightly rustic edge.
* **Cutting (Optional):** If you prefer shorter green beans, you can cut them in half or even into smaller pieces. This is especially helpful if you’re serving the dish to children or if you prefer a more delicate texture. Just make sure to cut them evenly so they cook at the same rate.

**Step 2: Sautéing the Garlic**

The key to infusing the dish with garlic flavor is to sauté the garlic gently in olive oil. Here’s how to do it right:

* **Heat the Oil:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Make sure the skillet is hot enough before adding the garlic, but not so hot that the oil starts to smoke.
* **Add the Garlic:** Add the minced garlic to the skillet and stir constantly. Cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will make it taste bitter. If the garlic starts to brown too quickly, reduce the heat.
* **Aromatic Infusion:** As the garlic cooks, its aromatic compounds are released, infusing the olive oil with its savory flavor. This infused oil will then flavor the entire dish.

**Step 3: Adding Tomatoes and Seasonings**

The tomatoes add acidity and sweetness to the dish, while the oregano and red pepper flakes add depth of flavor. Here’s how to incorporate them:

* **Add Tomatoes:** Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice) to the skillet. The juice from the tomatoes will help to create a flavorful sauce.
* **Add Seasonings:** Add the dried oregano and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Be generous with the seasoning, as the green beans will absorb some of the flavor.
* **Simmer:** Bring the mixture to a simmer. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.

**Step 4: Cooking the Green Beans**

Cooking the green beans to the perfect tenderness is crucial for the success of the dish. Here’s how to do it:

* **Add Green Beans:** Add the green beans to the skillet and stir to coat them with the tomato sauce. Make sure all of the green beans are coated in the sauce so they cook evenly.
* **Cover and Cook:** Cover the skillet and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the green beans are tender-crisp. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the green beans and your personal preference. Some people prefer their green beans to be very tender, while others prefer them to be slightly crunchy.
* **Stir Occasionally:** Stir the green beans occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the skillet and to ensure that they cook evenly.
* **Check for Doneness:** To check if the green beans are done, pierce one with a fork. It should be tender but still have a slight bite to it.

**Step 5: Finishing with Basil and Parmesan**

The final touches of basil and Parmesan cheese add a burst of freshness and flavor to the dish. Here’s how to incorporate them:

* **Remove from Heat:** Remove the skillet from the heat. This will prevent the basil from wilting too much.
* **Add Basil:** Stir in the chopped fresh basil. The basil will release its fragrant aroma as it comes into contact with the hot sauce.
* **Add Parmesan:** Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. The Parmesan cheese will melt slightly and add a salty, umami-rich flavor to the dish.

**Step 6: Serving and Enjoying**

Marilyn’s Green Beans Italiano is best served immediately, while it’s still hot and the flavors are at their peak. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **Side Dish:** Serve the green beans as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, fish, or pasta.
* **Vegetarian Main Course:** For a vegetarian meal, serve the green beans over polenta or rice.
* **Garnish:** Garnish with a sprig of fresh basil or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese.

## Tips for Success

To ensure that your Marilyn’s Green Beans Italiano turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:

* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** As mentioned earlier, using fresh ingredients is key to achieving the best flavor. Fresh green beans, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil will make a world of difference.
* **Don’t Overcook the Green Beans:** Overcooked green beans will be mushy and unappetizing. Cook them until they are tender-crisp, with a slight bite to them.
* **Adjust the Seasoning:** Taste the dish as it cooks and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or oregano to achieve the desired flavor.
* **Add a Touch of Lemon Juice:** For a brighter flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end of cooking.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can prepare the green beans ahead of time and reheat them before serving. However, the basil is best added just before serving to preserve its fresh flavor.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. You can add other vegetables, such as mushrooms or bell peppers, or try using different herbs, such as thyme or rosemary.

## Variations and Additions

This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations and additions to try:

* **Add Mushrooms:** Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for a heartier dish.
* **Add Bell Peppers:** Add diced bell peppers (any color) along with the tomatoes for a sweeter flavor and added texture.
* **Add Sausage:** Brown Italian sausage before adding the garlic for a more substantial meal.
* **Use Different Herbs:** Experiment with other Italian herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or marjoram.
* **Add a Pinch of Sugar:** If your tomatoes are particularly acidic, add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
* **Spice it Up:** Increase the amount of red pepper flakes for a spicier dish.
* **Add a Splash of Wine:** Deglaze the pan with a splash of dry white wine after sautéing the garlic for a richer flavor.
* **Creamy Version:** Stir in a dollop of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese at the end for a creamier version.

## Serving Suggestions

Marilyn’s Green Beans Italiano is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **As a Side Dish:** Serve alongside grilled chicken, fish, steak, or pork.
* **With Pasta:** Toss with your favorite pasta for a simple and satisfying meal. Penne, farfalle, and rotini work particularly well.
* **Over Polenta:** Serve over creamy polenta for a comforting and flavorful vegetarian option.
* **In a Frittata:** Add to a frittata or omelet for a delicious and nutritious breakfast or brunch.
* **As a Topping for Bruschetta:** Spoon over toasted bread for a flavorful appetizer.

## Nutritional Information

The nutritional information for Marilyn’s Green Beans Italiano will vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used. However, a typical serving is estimated to contain:

* **Calories:** Approximately 150-200 calories
* **Fat:** 10-15 grams
* **Protein:** 5-7 grams
* **Carbohydrates:** 10-15 grams
* **Fiber:** 3-5 grams

This dish is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber and antioxidants.

## Storing Leftovers

Leftover Marilyn’s Green Beans Italiano can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through or warm in a skillet over medium heat.

## Why This Recipe is a Keeper

Marilyn’s Green Beans Italiano is more than just a recipe; it’s a taste of home, a comforting dish that evokes memories of family gatherings and shared meals. Its simplicity belies its incredible flavor, and its versatility makes it a welcome addition to any menu. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and prepare to be amazed by the deliciousness of Marilyn’s Green Beans Italiano!

## Conclusion

From its fresh ingredients and simple preparation to its rich and savory flavor, Marilyn’s Green Beans Italiano is a true culinary gem. This recipe is a testament to the fact that even the simplest ingredients can be transformed into something extraordinary with a little love and attention. So go ahead, give it a try, and experience the magic of Marilyn’s Green Beans Italiano for yourself. You won’t be disappointed!

Enjoy!