Sundays In The Kitchen – Gram’s Green Beans
My Gram has been making these green beans for a long time. She and my Mom have a special knack for bringing out the deliciousness of vegetables! Me? Well, I’m really good at microwaving the bejesus out of veggies.
Which does not bring out the deliciousness. They basically die a slow and shriveled death.
So, I asked Gram a million times for the recipe for these fabulous beans. Every time the answer was the same…
<insert strong Italian accent> “ I don have a recipe, you gotta watch me.”
And one day, I finally did! Now, I’ve been able to ditch the microwave and make Gram’s Green Beans. You can, too! Here’s how…
You’ll need 1 pound of green beans. I like to use these frozen haricot vert from TJ’s, but you can use any style or fresh beans if you have them available…
You’ll also need 2 garlic cloves, a stalk of celery, 1/2 medium onion (any variety; I used red today since it’s what I had on hand) and a 14.5 oz. can of diced tomatoes…
In a large stockpot, add 2 tsp. olive oil and green beans (frozen or fresh)…
Next goes the sliced garlic and onion…
Thinly sliced celery…
And tomatoes…
About this much salt…
Probably a teaspoon. Don’t whip out your measuring spoon or I’m tellin’ Gram.
Feel free to add other spices – pepper, basil, thyme or oregano would all work nicely. Oregano…ooooh, Gram would FLIP OUT if she knew I wrote that. She hates oregano. Glad she doesn’t read my blog. ![icon_eek[1]](http://www.loserforlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/icon_eek1.gif "icon_eek[1]"){kind=icon}
However, I prefer to keep mine simple because that’s how Gram does it….
Plus, I’m afraid of broken English oregano induced outbursts.
Put a lid on it…
and cook over medium heat for about 20 minutes or until green beans are tender. This may take longer if using fresh beans.
Serve ‘em up…
These beans taste even better the next day as the flavors develop. And they are especially delicious with a sprinkling of freshly grated parmesan cheese. <——– Shhhhhhh… don’t tell Gram 
Enjoy!
Have a great day, everyone!
What is your favorite recipe that has been handed down in your family?
Questions? Email me! aloserforlife@gmail.com
30 comments
Haha! I microwave steam veggies all the time, but never thought of them “dying a slow and shriveled death” before. But now that I think of it, it IS pretty true. Gram’s green beens look delicious! Thanks for the recipe.
Note to all who read this post, I can testify since I’ve made “Grams beans” that they are absolutely delicious!
Ha ha — broken English oregano induced outbursts!!!! LOVE IT!
Marisa Reply:
January 31st, 2011 at 9:30 pm
Thanks, Reen! Glad you like them! Gram would be happy
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Yum!!!! These look SOOO good every time you show them. I really want to try making them. Though I believe oregano is a sin too. I hate it!
Marisa Reply:
January 31st, 2011 at 9:30 pm
You are Gram’s long lost granddaughter
Sounds delicious! I’m going to make your gram’s beans very soon!!!
oooh these are pretty!
My favorite is sausage and egg breakfast tacos!
I spent a lot of my Sunday in the kitchen, too.
Marisa Reply:
January 31st, 2011 at 9:33 pm
You are a cooking machine, Kelly!
Thanks for doing these Kitchen Sundays. They are really helpful. The recipe is so simple. I am going to try it this week. =)
Marisa Reply:
January 31st, 2011 at 9:34 pm
So glad you like the posts, Ruby!
My mom’s gulash, simple but delish!
These look amazing Marisa, I gotta try em
I can’t think of any recipes handed down to me from my mom that I would cook today….our veggies were always bland and boiled too!!
They look great. I am responding to your blog as I love green beens. I usually just boil, add garlic, sometimes potatoes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar but this is another great way and I will try it. Thanks for posting. by the way…your gram sounds like my own mother…same way…insert strong italian accent at times but mixed in with italian words too. “No ricetta, you have to watch.”
Marisa Reply:
January 31st, 2011 at 9:35 pm
Mmmm… your beans sound amazing, too!
Any idea what the WW points+ would be on these?
Marisa Reply:
January 31st, 2011 at 9:41 pm
Courtney, this is a tricky one! It’s all veggies with the exception of the olive oil (2 PP). If I was tracking on paper it would be be 0 PP for each serving (4 servings), however when I input it into the Recipe Builder on eTools, it comes to 2 PP each serving. I’m not exactly sure how to count it or what the rule of thumb is on putting together recipes …anyone want to weigh in on this???
Those look tasty. I love green beans!
They look good (except for the celery).
I’ve made your gram’s green beans many times. I love them and everyone that I make them for loves them!
Marisa Reply:
January 31st, 2011 at 9:42 pm
Thank you, Amanda! Glad they are a hit for you!
That’s why I didn’t like veggies growing up because it turns out my mom overcooked everything and actually liked canned asparagus! I didn’t eat any of the vegetables I eat now until about six years ago – now I feel like I have an unstocked fridge if I don’t have baby spinach, salad greens, zucchini and spaghetti squash!
Marisa Reply:
January 31st, 2011 at 9:43 pm
I feel the same way about my fridge!
Oh, and I’d leave out the onions in your green beans!
Tomatoes: Drained or not?
Marisa Reply:
January 31st, 2011 at 9:44 pm
I usually slightly drain mine.
These sound delicious!
I remember when you posted this recipe on another blog and I saved it then! Thanks for reminding me to make them! I have to say scalloped potatoes are my favorite handed-down recipe, but it’s not unique.
Marisa Reply:
January 31st, 2011 at 9:44 pm
I puffy heart scalloped potatoes!
I love green beans and I am going to give this recipe a try! Thanks so much for sharing and thank Grams too!
My mom’s Runza recipe- little dough bundles filled with cooked ground beef, cabbage and onions to die for! I have the recipe on my blog.