Greentree Naturals CSA Bean Recipes

Freezing Beans

Wash and snap off ends. Cut in 1 inch pieces, or cut lengthwise. Blanch 2 to 3 minutes. Chill. Pack in plastic freezer bags.

Fresh Herbed Green Beans

Wash and trim ends, but leave beans whole. Bring a large kettle of water to a boil; add the beans and blanch about 10 minutes or until beans are crisp tender but still bright green. Drain beans and cover with cold water. Drain and chill.

When ready to serve, microwave beans 1 or 2 minutes on high or until beans are just hot. Toss with butter and about 2/3 cup finely chopped fresh herbs such as dill, basil, parsley and chives. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper. Serve at once.

Mediterranean Bean Salad

12 oz French green beans (cut or whole with ends removed)
1 med onion or shallot, thinly sliced and separated into rings
1 (3 oz can) broiled sliced or whole mushrooms, drained
1/3 cup Italian salad dressing
 ¼ tsp. Salt
Dash of freshly ground pepper
5-6 Cherry tomatoes cut in half

Pour boiling water over beans to cover; let stand for about 5 minutes . Drain thoroughly; place in salad bowl with onion rings and mushrooms. Combine salad dressing, salt and pepper. Add to bean mixture; toss. Marinate in refrigerator for at least 2 hours, tossing occasionally. Arrange tomato on salad just before serving. Top with bacon bits, if desired.

Dilled Green Beans and New Potatoes

1/2 lb small new potatoes, quartered
1/2 lb fresh green beans, trimmed, broken into 2" pieces
1/4 cup nonfat sour cream
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill weed
1/8 teaspoon salt
dash pepper
1/2 teaspoon olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced