Looking for a new way to serve green beans at dinnertime? This homemade green bean puree is just the ticket! From the fresh, crisp green beans to the tangy raw garlic, this healthy green bean puree is made with fresh and simple ingredients.
Plus, it only takes 10 minutes. It doesn't get any easier to add fresh, colorful, and nutritious elements to your meal.
With the following tips and tricks combined, it's a guarantee that you will be successful in your attempts to make this quick and easy pureed green beans.
Table of Contents
Recipe Video
Why This Recipe Works
This quick and easy green bean puree recipe works for a number of reasons. First, it's quick and easy. Second, it's a highly adaptable recipe that can be easily adjusted to accommodate any needs or preferences. Last, this green bean puree is highly versatile and can be served alongside a variety of dishes.
So, in case you haven't heard the news, this green bean puree is quick and easy. In less than 10 minutes, you will have a fresh and vibrant puree that can be served in a variety of ways.
From baby food to gluten-free and vegan diets, this nutrient-rich green bean puree can be adjusted to suit the needs of any human, big or tiny. Even if you just want to make your puree a little spicy, there is plenty of freedom within the framework of this simple green bean puree recipe to do just that. You can even change up the star of the show to make it a quick and easy carrot puree, a quick and easy pea puree, or a quick and easy potato puree.
Once you have crafted the perfect puree recipe, you can serve it alongside a variety of main dishes that complement its simplistic flavors. From grilled chicken and lamb to fish and couscous, this vibrant green bean puree will add a burst of freshness and color to any dish.
Ingredients
Green Beans:
Select fresh, vibrant green beans for the best flavor and nutritional content. Avoid using beans in your fresh green bean puree that appear wilted or have visible signs of damage. You may even choose to puree a different vegetable altogether. Carrots, sweet potato, butternut squash, potatoes, zucchini, cauliflower, peas, broccoli, spinach, beets, and parsnip are all excellent options to create a quick and simple puree.
Garlic:
Garlic contributes a sharp and intense flavor profile, adding depth and complexity to the overall taste of the puree. If you are making a green bean puree baby food, this is one element that you will want to eliminate from the ingredient list. The raw garlic will be too powerful, pungent, and off-putting for a baby's sensitive pallet.
Heavy Cream:
Heavy cream is used to help emulsify the solid ingredients into puree form while adding a rich, creamy texture to this vegetarian green bean puree. While a liquid is necessary to help achieve the correct texture, that doesn't have to be heavy cream. This is especially true if you are wanting to make homemade baby food puree. You will want to swap the heavy cream out for some broth, stock, water, milk can be used to make baby food puree. If you are looking to accommodate certain dietary restrictions or taste preferences when making a regular puree, coconut milk, wine, and yogurt will also work with this green bean mash recipe.
Seasonings:
While the seasonings are very simple in this fresh green bean puree, the capers, salt, and pepper allow the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine. If you are making a green bean puree for baby, then you will need to eliminate all of the seasonings to keep the recipe simple. However, if babies won't be consuming your puree, then you can actually add more seasonings if you like. Rosemary, thyme, chives, dill, parsley, citrus zest, cumin, paprika, nutmeg, red pepper flakes, parmesan cheese, chopped nuts, and shallots are just some of the ingredients you can use to season your healthy green bean puree.
How to Make Green Bean Puree
Step One:
Add butter to a pan over medium heat.
Step Two:
Once melted, add your green beans and stir to coat. Allow them to cook for 5-7 minutes until they are softened.
Step Three:
Allow the beans to cool, then add them to a food processor with garlic, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and capers.
Step Four:
Puree until everything is incorporated.
Step Five:
Serve, and enjoy!
Tips
- Wash the green beans thoroughly and trim the ends. You can also remove any strings if present. This ensures a cleaner and smoother homemade green bean puree.
- Consider blanching the green beans before pureeing. Blanching involves briefly boiling the beans and then plunging them into ice water to stop the cooking process. This helps preserve the vibrant green color and enhances the flavor. Steaming is another excellent method. It helps retain more nutrients compared to boiling. Steam the green beans until they are tender but still vibrant.
- Depending on your preference, you can adjust the texture of the puree. For a smoother consistency, blend the green beans longer. If you prefer a chunkier texture, pulse the blender or food processor for a shorter duration.
What to Serve With Green Bean Puree
This quick and easy green bean puree is a versatile side dish that pairs wonderfully with various mains. Its vibrant flavor and creamy texture make it an excellent accompaniment to grilled chicken or fish, adding a burst of freshness to the plate. It complements roasted meats, such as lamb or pork, providing a light and flavorful contrast. For a vegetarian option, serve the puree alongside quinoa or couscous for a well-balanced and nutritious meal.
FAQs
What are some creative variations or flavor combinations for this puree recipe?
Elevate your green bean puree with creative twists! Try a Garlic and Parmesan blend for a savory kick, or opt for a zesty Lemon Herb variation with citrus zest and fresh herbs. For spice lovers, a Spicy version with red pepper flakes and cumin adds excitement. Explore Asian influences with a Sesame Ginger fusion for a unique, flavorful experience.
Can I use frozen green beans for the puree?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans for the puree. This can be convenient, especially when fresh ones are not readily available. When working with frozen green beans, ensure they are thawed before cooking.
How long can leftover green bean puree be kept fresh?
Leftover green bean puree can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to store it for a longer period, consider freezing the green bean puree, as it can last for up to 3 months.
More Green Bean Recipes
Who doesn't love green beans? They are versatile, healthy, and delicious. So if you are looking for some green bean dish ideas, we've got you covered with this list of more green bean recipes to inspire you in the kitchen.
Instant Pot Green Bean Casserole
Green Bean Puree
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 pound green beans
- 1 clove garlic
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon salt to taste
- ½ teaspoon pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon capers
Instructions
- Add butter to a pan over medium heat.
- Once melted, add your green beans and stir to coat. Allow them to cook for 5-7 minutes until they are softened.
- Allow the beans to cool, then add them to a food processor with garlic, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and capers.
- Puree until everything is incorporated.
- Serve and enjoy 🙂
Video
Nutrition
Notes
- Wash the green beans thoroughly and trim the ends. You can also remove any strings if present. This ensures a cleaner and smoother homemade green bean puree.
- Consider blanching the green beans before pureeing. Blanching involves briefly boiling the beans and then plunging them into ice water to stop the cooking process. This helps preserve the vibrant green color and enhances the flavor. Steaming is another excellent method. It helps retain more nutrients compared to boiling. Steam the green beans until they are tender but still vibrant.
- Depending on your preference, you can adjust the texture of the puree. For a smoother consistency, blend the green beans longer. If you prefer a chunkier texture, pulse the blender or food processor for a shorter duration.