Easy String Beans & Carrots: Two Delicious Ways

Updated at: 15/01/2025

String beans and carrots: a classic pairing that's both nutritious and versatile. These humble vegetables are packed with vitamins and fiber, offering a healthy and delicious addition to any meal. Whether you prefer them as a simple side dish or incorporated into a more complex recipe, their mild flavor lends itself to a wide array of culinary possibilities. From simple sautéing to more elaborate roasting methods, the possibilities are endless, allowing you to customize the preparation to perfectly suit your taste.

This article will guide you through two easy and delicious ways to prepare string beans and carrots, perfect for weeknight dinners or a healthy addition to your meal prep routine. We'll explore simple techniques that maximize flavor while minimizing effort, ensuring a satisfying and flavorful result every time. Ready to discover the secrets to perfectly cooked string beans and carrots? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions!

Tools Needed

  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Pot
  • Ice bath or cold water
  • Pan

Ingredients

  • French beans or regular string beans
  • Carrot
  • Butter
  • Garlic
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Black pepper
  • Salt
  • Red pepper (optional)
  • Olive oil (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Vegetables

  • Trim the ends of the beans. You can remove both ends or just the stem end.
  • Peel the carrot, cut off the top and bottom, and cut it in half. Cut off a small piece to help it lay flat for easier slicing.
  • Slice the carrot into thick pieces, then cut each slice into about three pieces (thicker than a julienne).
Trim the ends of the beans. You can remove both ends or just the stem end.Peel the carrot, cut off the top and bottom, and cut it in half. Cut off a small piece to help it lay flat for easier slicing.Slice the carrot into thick pieces, then cut each slice into about three pieces (thicker than a julienne).
Prepare the Vegetables

Step 2. Blanch and Butter Cook

  • Blanching and Butter Cooking** Boil salted water. Add beans and carrots and cook for 1-2 minutes. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking.
  • Melt butter in a pan and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
  • Add the blanched vegetables to the pan. Toss to coat with butter and garlic. Add garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt to taste.
**Method 1: Blanching and Butter Cooking** Boil salted water. Add beans and carrots and cook for 1-2 minutes. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking. Melt butter in a pan and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.Add the blanched vegetables to the pan. Toss to coat with butter and garlic. Add garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt to taste.
Blanch and Butter Cook

Step 3. Direct Sauté

  • Direct Sautéing** Heat butter and olive oil in a pan. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add beans and cook, then add carrots and red pepper (optional).
  • Continue to sauté until vegetables are tender-crisp. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper as needed.
**Method 2: Direct Sautéing** Heat butter and olive oil in a pan. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add beans and cook, then add carrots and red pepper (optional).Continue to sauté until vegetables are tender-crisp. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper as needed.
Direct Sauté

Read more: Ethiopian Kikel Kikil: Vegan Vegetable Stew Recipe

Tips

  • If using regular string beans, they will take longer to cook than French beans.
  • Blanching stops the cooking process and keeps the vegetables bright in color.
  • Adjust cooking times based on the desired tenderness of your vegetables.
  • Add bell peppers at the very end for a few seconds only.
  • Always taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 70-100
  • Fat: 2-5g
  • Carbs: 10-15g
  • Protein: 2-3g

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen string beans and carrots?

Yes! Frozen vegetables work perfectly. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.

2. How can I make this recipe even healthier?

Use less oil or butter, or try a healthier cooking method like steaming or air frying instead of sautéing.


We hope you enjoyed exploring these two simple yet satisfying methods for preparing string beans and carrots. These versatile recipes offer a healthy and delicious side dish perfect for any occasion. Now go forth and enjoy your perfectly cooked, flavorful vegetables!