5 Amish Green Bean Recipes You Need to Try

When you think of the Amish community, images of simple living, hearty home cooking, and a sense of community likely come to mind. Their approach to food is no different, and their recipes, especially their vegetable dishes, can bring comfort and warmth to any table. Today, we're delving into a particular gem from the Amish culinary treasury: green bean recipes. Here are 5 traditional Amish Green Bean recipes you absolutely need to try, each offering a delightful experience with this versatile vegetable.

Classic Amish Green Beans

This recipe is the epitome of Amish simplicity, focusing on bringing out the natural flavors of green beans.

• 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and snapped into pieces
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

To prepare:

1. In a pot, cook bacon until crispy. Remove bacon, leaving fat in the pot.
2. Add onions to the fat, cooking until translucent.
3. Add the green beans, seasoning with salt and pepper, and sauté for a few minutes.
4. Pour in enough water to cover the beans, bring to a simmer, and cook until tender (about 20-30 minutes).
5. Once done, drain the water, add the vinegar, and crumbled bacon back in.

🍳 Note: For an additional kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a sprinkle of garlic powder.

Amish Sweet-Sour Green Beans

This dish balances the savory nature of green beans with a sweet-sour twist.

• 1 pound fresh green beans, snapped into pieces
• ¼ cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons bacon fat (or butter)
• 1 small onion, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Boil green beans until tender-crisp, drain, and set aside.
2. In the same pot, melt the bacon fat, add onions, and cook until they start to brown.
3. Stir in sugar until dissolved, then add vinegar, salt, and pepper.
4. Add beans back to the pot, stirring until they're well-coated with the sweet-sour mixture.

Creamed Green Beans with Sour Cream

This recipe provides a creamy, rich alternative to traditional green bean preparations.

• 1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup butter
• Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste

To make:

1. Boil green beans until they are just tender. Drain and keep warm.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté onions until soft.
3. Whisk in flour, then slowly add sour cream, stirring until the mixture thickens.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Pour over the green beans and gently mix.

Amish Green Bean Bake with Cheese

A cheesy, comforting casserole that can be a meal or a delicious side.

Here's how to put it together:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Blanch green beans, then drain.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk to create a smooth sauce.
4. Mix in the cheese and soup until melted, then season.
5. Combine beans with the cheese mixture, transfer to a baking dish, top with bread crumbs, and bake until bubbly and golden, about 30 minutes.

Amish Green Beans with Caramelized Onions

This recipe is for those who enjoy a sweeter, more intense flavor from their green beans.

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sprinkle of balsamic vinegar (optional)

To cook:

1. Boil green beans until just tender, drain, and set aside.
2. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat, add onions, and sprinkle sugar. Cook until onions are caramelized.
3. Add the cooked green beans to the skillet, toss to combine, and season. A drizzle of balsamic vinegar can enhance the flavor further.

🌟 Note: The onions in this recipe can also be prepared in advance and refrigerated to save time when preparing this dish.

In conclusion, these Amish green bean recipes are more than just recipes; they're a testament to the sustainable and nourishing lifestyle of the Amish community. Each dish highlights the simplicity and the natural flavors of ingredients, showcasing how a few key components can transform ordinary green beans into extraordinary meals. Whether you're looking for a comforting side dish or a new way to enjoy this classic vegetable, these recipes from the heart of Amish country are sure to provide something delicious and memorable for your family table.

Can I use canned green beans for these recipes?

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Yes, but the texture and flavor might be slightly different. Adjust cooking times since canned beans are already cooked.

Are these recipes vegetarian-friendly?

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Most are, but the Classic Amish Green Beans use bacon. You can substitute with a vegetarian option like smoked paprika for flavor.

How do I adjust the recipes for larger servings?

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Just scale up the ingredients proportionally. For example, if you double the guests, double all the ingredients listed in each recipe.