Green Beans With Feta: A Quick, Tasty Side Dish

how to cook green beans with feta cheese

Green beans and feta cheese is a delicious and healthy dish that can be served as a side or a light lunch. The crispiness of the green beans and the saltiness of the feta cheese complement each other perfectly, creating a refreshing and flavorful experience. This dish can be prepared in a variety of ways, including sautéing, baking, or steaming, and can be enhanced with additional ingredients such as onions, garlic, lemon, and herbs. The versatility of this dish makes it a favorite among those looking for a tasty and nutritious option.

Characteristics Values
Cooking Style Baked, Sauted, Boiled, Steamed, Roasted
Ingredients Green Beans, Feta Cheese, Olive Oil, Butter, Onion, Garlic, Basil, Oregano, Lemon, Almonds, Tomatoes, Dill Weed, Salt, Pepper
Nutritional Information Calories: 87-155kcal, Carbohydrates: 8-9g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 5-13g, Saturated Fat: 2-6g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4-1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2-5g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 11-27mg, Sodium: 149-250mg, Potassium: 199-251mg, Fiber: 2-3g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 720-835IU, Vitamin C: 11-15mg, Calcium: 104-127mg, Iron: 1mg
Recipe Notes Check feta for vegetarian/vegan suitability, cook slowly to prevent mushy beans, can be served hot, warm or cold

cycheese

Sautéed green beans with feta cheese

Ingredients:

  • Fresh green beans
  • Feta cheese
  • Olive oil
  • Butter
  • Onion
  • Dill (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Start by washing and trimming the green beans by cutting off the stem ends. Next, peel and slice an onion into thin half-moon shapes. Heat some butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and the oil is hot, add the sliced onions and stir occasionally until they start to soften and caramelize.

At this point, you can add the green beans to the skillet. Continue to cook, stirring often, until the green beans are tender but still crisp, and the onions are caramelized and sweet. This usually takes around 5-8 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness for the green beans.

Once the green beans and onions are cooked to your liking, crumble the feta cheese over the top. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, or until the feta is warm and slightly softened. Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle chopped dill over the top, if desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately.

Tips and Variations:

  • For a vegan option, omit the feta cheese and replace it with pitted and thinly sliced Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or cubed avocado.
  • Try adding some extra ingredients like toasted almonds, basil, or lemon juice for a refreshing twist.
  • If you prefer your green beans with a bit more crunch, add them to the skillet after the onions have started to caramelize and reduce the overall cooking time.
  • This dish can be served hot, warm, or cold, making it a versatile option for meals and gatherings.

cycheese

Baked green beans with feta cheese

Ingredients:

  • Fresh green beans
  • Feta cheese
  • Olive oil
  • Butter
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: basil, oregano, dill weed, lemon, and toasted almonds

Instructions:

Start by washing and trimming your green beans, cutting off the stem ends. Then, peel and slice an onion into thin half-moon shapes. You can use a whole large onion if you're a fan of onions, or reduce the amount as desired. Next, heat some butter and olive oil in a large skillet on medium heat. Once the butter has melted and the oil is hot, add the sliced onions and green beans. Stir frequently to prevent burning and cook until the onions are caramelized and the beans are tender but still crisp.

Transfer the cooked beans and onions to a baking dish. Crumble feta cheese over the top, adding as much or as little as you like. You can also sprinkle on some chopped fresh herbs like basil and oregano at this point for extra flavor. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake, uncovered, at a temperature and for a duration that suits your oven (some ovens may require adjustments). Around 30 minutes at a moderate temperature should do the trick, but keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning.

Once the cheese is melted and the beans are tender, remove the dish from the oven. For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle some dill weed and freshly squeezed lemon juice over the top. If you're a fan of nuts, you can also add some toasted almonds for a delightful crunch. Serve immediately and enjoy the combination of salty, tangy, and sweet flavors in every bite!

Tips and Variations:

This dish is quite versatile and can be adapted to your taste preferences. For a more substantial meal, you can add proteins like salmon or tofu. Some people also like to include other vegetables such as tomatoes, bell peppers, or avocado. If you're feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different types of cheese, like ricotta salata or labna, instead of feta. You can also play around with the cooking method; try steaming, roasting, or boiling the green beans for a different texture.

There you have it! A tasty and nutritious baked green beans with feta cheese dish that's sure to impress and satisfy your cravings. Enjoy!

cycheese

Green bean salad with feta cheese

Ingredients:

  • Green beans
  • Feta cheese
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • Lemon juice (optional)
  • Dill (optional)
  • Onion (optional)
  • Basil (optional)
  • Almonds (optional)

Instructions:

  • Wash and trim the green beans by cutting off the stem on the end.
  • Place about 0.5 inches of water into a medium-sized saucepan and bring it to a boil.
  • Add the green beans, cover, and cook for 4-5 minutes or until tender but still crisp.
  • Drain the beans and return them to the pan. Add olive oil and toss to coat.
  • Place the beans on a plate and sprinkle with feta cheese.
  • For an extra flavour boost, add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
  • If desired, add some chopped dill, caramelized onions, basil, or toasted almonds for a crunchy texture.

Tips:

  • You can also sauté or bake the green beans with onions and olive oil before adding the feta cheese.
  • For a dairy-free or vegan option, replace the feta cheese with Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or avocado cubes.
  • This dish can be served hot, warm, or cold, making it a versatile side dish or light lunch option.

cycheese

Green beans with lemon and feta

Ingredients:

  • Fresh green beans
  • Feta cheese
  • Lemon
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

Optional Ingredients:

  • Onions
  • Butter
  • Dill
  • White wine

Instructions:

Start by washing and trimming the green beans. Cut off the stem ends, leaving the beans whole or cutting them into bite-sized pieces, depending on your preference.

Place a medium-sized sauté pan over high heat and add about ½ inch of water. Bring the water to a boil, then add the green beans. Cover the pan and cook the beans on medium-high heat for 4 to 5 minutes, or until they are tender but still crisp. You can also lightly steam, roast, or boil the beans, being careful not to overcook them to avoid a mushy texture.

Once the beans are cooked to your desired doneness, drain the water and return the beans to the pan. Add a couple of teaspoons of olive oil and toss to coat the beans.

Now, it's time to add the flavorful toppings. Sprinkle the beans with crumbled feta cheese, a squeeze of lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. For an extra kick of flavor, you can also add some chopped dill, white wine, or slowly cooked caramelized onions.

Serve the green beans with lemon and feta immediately, and enjoy the perfect combination of salty, tangy, and sweet flavors!

You can also try adding toasted almonds, sun-dried tomatoes, or avocado for a refreshing salad variation of this dish.

cycheese

Green beans with feta and white wine

Ingredients:

  • Green beans (fresh or organically grown)
  • Feta cheese
  • White wine
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • Basil
  • Oregano
  • Tomatoes (optional)

Instructions:

  • Start by preparing the green beans. Wash and trim the ends of the beans. You can leave them whole or cut them into smaller pieces, depending on your preference.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the beans with chopped onion, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat the beans evenly.
  • Transfer the bean mixture to an ungreased baking pan. Spread it out in a single layer.
  • If using tomatoes, chop them and place them on top of the beans. You can use regular tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes in oil for a more intense flavor.
  • Crumble the feta cheese over the beans and tomatoes. Feel free to be generous with the cheese, as it adds a wonderful creamy texture and salty flavor to the dish.
  • Sprinkle chopped fresh basil and oregano on top. These herbs complement the other ingredients beautifully.
  • Pour a small amount of white wine into the pan. The wine will add a subtle depth of flavor to the dish.
  • Bake the beans uncovered in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for around 30 minutes, or until the beans are tender.
  • Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve it warm, perhaps with a fresh green salad on the side.

Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your taste. You can also add other ingredients, such as toasted walnuts or chopped bell peppers, for extra flavor and texture. Enjoy your delicious and healthy dish of green beans with feta and white wine!

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Frequently asked questions

There are several ways to cook green beans with feta cheese. You can steam, boil, roast, or sauté the green beans, and then add feta cheese on top.

If you are boiling the green beans, cook them for 8-10 minutes or until they are fork-tender but still crisp. If you are sautéing the green beans, cook them over low heat until they are tender and caramelized.

Add the feta cheese to the green beans after they have finished cooking. Crumble the feta cheese over the top of the green beans and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the feta is warm and soft.

You can add a variety of ingredients to green beans with feta cheese, such as onions, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, lemon juice, dill, almonds, basil, and tomatoes.

Yes, green beans with feta cheese can be made ahead of time and served hot, warm, or cold. This makes it a perfect dish to take to a friend's house or a holiday gathering.

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