The Healthy Green Bean Casserole offers a fresh and nutritious twist on a classic comfort dish, reimagining the traditional recipe into a vibrant, health-conscious culinary experience. Renowned for its place on holiday tables and as a cherished side dish, this redefined casserole captures the essence of wholesome ingredients and mindful cooking.
At its heart, this rendition of the Green Bean Casserole remains faithful to the comforting flavors and textures loved by many. However, it introduces a thoughtful approach by utilizing nutrient-rich components and lighter alternatives without compromising on taste.
Additionally, the crunchy topping, a hallmark of the Green Bean Casserole, maintains its allure in the healthier adaptation. However, rather than using fried onions from a can, this version embraces toasted whole grain breadcrumbs, chopped nuts, or crispy shallots, offering a satisfying crunch while embracing nutritional benefits. This Healthy Green Bean Casserole embodies versatility, catering to various dietary preferences, including vegetarian, gluten-free, or dairy-free options. Its revitalized approach showcases the potential of mindful ingredient choices and culinary creativity in transforming a beloved classic into a nourishing delight.
Perfect for gatherings or everyday meals, this rendition of the Green Bean Casserole celebrates both health-conscious cooking and the comforting essence of a beloved dish, inviting all to relish its revitalized flavors and wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients:
Green Beans:
– 2 pounds green beans, trimmed
– Kosher salt
Crispy Onion Topping:
– 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for greasing
– 1 thinly sliced onion
– 1/2 cup almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast + 1/2 TBS lemon juice)
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Creamy Mushroom Sauce:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 8 ounces baby bella (cremini) mushrooms, thinly sliced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced or grated
– 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
– 3 tablespoons 1:1 gluten-free flour or white whole wheat flour
– 1 3/4 cups dairy milk, almond milk, or cashew milk
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 7 ounces Greek yogurt or non-dairy yogurt
– Flaky sea salt, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish with olive oil.
2. Blanch the green beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the green beans for 4-5 minutes until tender, then transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking. Drain and pat dry.
3. Make the crispy onion topping: In a saute pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the thinly sliced onions with a pinch of salt for 7-8 minutes until tender and slightly browned. Remove onions and set aside. In the same pan, toast almond flour or breadcrumbs until golden. Combine with onions, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and salt.
4. Prepare the creamy mushroom sauce: In the same pan, add olive oil and cook mushrooms until tender. Add garlic, thyme, salt, and flour. Stir and cook for a minute. Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Simmer until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in yogurt.
5. Assemble: Combine green beans with mushroom sauce. Transfer to the prepared baking dish. Top with crispy onion mixture.
6. Bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and flaky sea salt before serving. Enjoy this wholesome Healthy Green Bean Casserole!