Imagine a side dish so simple yet so incredibly delicious that it transforms your ordinary meal into a culinary masterpiece! These Steamed Green Beans with Red Potatoes are not just a recipe; they're a vibrant, nutritious journey that will make your taste buds dance with joy. With just a few fresh ingredients and a foolproof steaming technique, you'll create a restaurant-worthy side dish that's both healthy and irresistibly tasty.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 1 pound red potatoes, quartered
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Wash the green beans thoroughly under cool running water, then trim off the tough ends by snapping or cutting them. Rinse the red potatoes and cut them into uniform quarter-sized pieces, ensuring each piece is roughly similar in size for even cooking.
- Fill a large steamer basket or steamer pot with about 2 inches of water. Ensure the water does not touch the bottom of the steamer insert when placed inside the pot.
- Place the quartered red potatoes into the steamer basket first, as they will require slightly longer cooking time compared to green beans. Cover and steam the potatoes for approximately 8-10 minutes.
- After potatoes have steamed for 8-10 minutes, add the trimmed green beans on top of the potatoes in the steamer basket. This layering method allows both vegetables to cook evenly.
- Continue steaming both potatoes and green beans for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the green beans are bright green and crisp-tender.
- Carefully remove the steamer basket from the pot, using oven mitts to prevent steam burns. Transfer the steamed vegetables to a large serving bowl.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the hot vegetables, then sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top to enhance the flavors.
- Gently toss the vegetables to ensure they are evenly coated with oil, seasoning, and lemon juice. Serve immediately while still hot.
Tips
- Size Matters: Cut your potatoes and trim your green beans uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- Layer Strategically: Always place potatoes at the bottom of the steamer since they take longer to cook.
- Watch the Color: Green beans should remain bright green and crisp-tender - overcooking will make them lose their vibrant color and nutrients.
- Season Immediately: Drizzle olive oil and add seasonings while the vegetables are still hot to help them absorb maximum flavor.
- Fresh is Best: Use the freshest green beans and potatoes you can find for the most incredible taste and texture.
- Lemon Juice Hack: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving adds a bright, zesty finish that elevates the entire dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
