Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound French beans, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the French beans and cook for 3-4 minutes, until tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
4. Add the drained tomatoes, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the mixture has thickened.
5. Add the cooked French beans to the skillet and stir to combine.
6. Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 130
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Protein: 7g
- Fiber: 6g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Green beans can be used instead of French beans.
- Fresh thyme can be used instead of dried thyme.
- Pecorino Romano cheese can be used instead of Parmesan cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the onion and garlic.
- Use cherry tomatoes instead of diced tomatoes.
- Top the bake with breadcrumbs for a crunchy texture.
Tips and tricks:
- To save time, use canned French beans instead of fresh.
- Make sure to drain the tomatoes well to prevent the bake from becoming too watery.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the bake in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the bake in individual ramekins for a cute presentation.
- Garnish with fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley.
Garnishes:
- Fresh thyme leaves
- Chopped parsley
Pairings:
- Serve with crusty bread for dipping into the tomato sauce.
- Pair with a green salad for a complete meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted potatoes
- Grilled chicken
- Steamed rice
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the bake is too watery, try draining the tomatoes even more or adding a tablespoon of flour to the skillet to thicken the sauce.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash the French beans thoroughly before cooking.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
- French beans, also known as haricots verts, are a type of green bean that originated in France in the 18th century.
Flavor profiles:
- The French beans add a fresh and crisp texture to the bake, while the tomato sauce is savory and slightly sweet.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the bake as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish.
- Add some cooked pasta to the bake for a heartier meal.
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Taste: Savory, Tangy, Herby, Comforting