Cooking with canned goods can be a convenient and affordable way to prepare a meal, especially when you’re short on time or ingredients. Two popular canned items that can be used to make a variety of dishes are green beans and potatoes. In this article, we’ll explore the different ways to cook canned green beans and potatoes, including recipes, tips, and tricks to make your meals more delicious and nutritious.
Why Choose Canned Green Beans and Potatoes?
Canned green beans and potatoes are a great addition to any meal because they’re:
- Convenient: Canned goods are pre-cooked and can be heated up quickly, making them a great option for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Affordable: Canned green beans and potatoes are often cheaper than fresh produce, making them a budget-friendly option.
- Nutritious: Green beans are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, while potatoes are a good source of complex carbohydrates and potassium.
- Versatile: Canned green beans and potatoes can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to casseroles and side dishes.
How to Cook Canned Green Beans
Cooking canned green beans is a straightforward process that requires minimal ingredients and equipment. Here are a few ways to cook canned green beans:
Method 1: Boiling
Boiling is a simple way to cook canned green beans. Here’s how:
- Open the can of green beans and drain the liquid.
- Place the green beans in a pot of boiling water.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the green beans are tender.
- Drain the water and serve the green beans hot.
Method 2: Steaming
Steaming is a healthier way to cook canned green beans because it helps retain the nutrients. Here’s how:
- Open the can of green beans and drain the liquid.
- Place the green beans in a steamer basket over boiling water.
- Cover the pot with a lid and steam the green beans for 3-5 minutes, or until they’re tender.
- Serve the green beans hot.
Method 3: Sauteing
Sauteing is a great way to add flavor to canned green beans. Here’s how:
- Open the can of green beans and drain the liquid.
- Heat some oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the green beans to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they’re tender.
- Add some garlic, salt, and pepper to taste, and serve the green beans hot.
How to Cook Canned Potatoes
Cooking canned potatoes is similar to cooking canned green beans. Here are a few ways to cook canned potatoes:
Method 1: Boiling
Boiling is a simple way to cook canned potatoes. Here’s how:
- Open the can of potatoes and drain the liquid.
- Place the potatoes in a pot of boiling water.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Drain the water and serve the potatoes hot.
Method 2: Baking
Baking is a great way to add flavor to canned potatoes. Here’s how:
- Open the can of potatoes and drain the liquid.
- Place the potatoes in a baking dish and add some oil, salt, and pepper.
- Bake the potatoes in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re tender and golden brown.
- Serve the potatoes hot.
Method 3: Mashing
Mashing is a great way to make canned potatoes more palatable. Here’s how:
- Open the can of potatoes and drain the liquid.
- Place the potatoes in a bowl and add some butter, milk, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Mash the potatoes with a fork or potato masher until they’re smooth and creamy.
- Serve the mashed potatoes hot.
Recipes Using Canned Green Beans and Potatoes
Here are a few recipes that use canned green beans and potatoes:
Recipe 1: Green Bean and Potato Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 can of green beans
- 1 can of potatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup of shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Open the can of green beans and drain the liquid.
- Open the can of potatoes and drain the liquid.
- Place the green beans and potatoes in a baking dish.
- Add the chopped onion, shredded cheese, milk, and butter to the dish.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve the casserole hot.
Recipe 2: Green Bean and Potato Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 can of green beans
- 1 can of potatoes
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Open the can of green beans and drain the liquid.
- Open the can of potatoes and drain the liquid.
- Place the green beans and potatoes in a pot.
- Add the chicken broth, chopped onion, carrot, and celery to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Add the diced tomatoes and thyme to the pot.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer the soup for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Serve the soup hot.
Tips and Tricks for Cooking Canned Green Beans and Potatoes
Here are a few tips and tricks for cooking canned green beans and potatoes:
- Always drain the liquid from the can before cooking to remove excess salt and preservatives.
- Add some garlic, salt, and pepper to taste to enhance the flavor of the green beans and potatoes.
- Use herbs and spices to add flavor to the green beans and potatoes.
- Experiment with different recipes and ingredients to make the green beans and potatoes more interesting.
- Use canned green beans and potatoes as a base for other dishes, such as soups, stews, and casseroles.
Conclusion
Cooking canned green beans and potatoes is a convenient and affordable way to prepare a meal. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can make a variety of delicious dishes using canned green beans and potatoes. Whether you’re a busy professional or a busy parent, canned green beans and potatoes are a great addition to any meal. So next time you’re in a hurry, don’t forget to reach for the canned green beans and potatoes in your pantry.
What are the main ingredients required for cooking canned green beans and potatoes?
The main ingredients required for cooking canned green beans and potatoes include one can of green beans, two to three medium-sized potatoes, one onion, two cloves of garlic, salt, and pepper. You can also add other spices and herbs according to your taste preferences. Additionally, you may need some oil or butter for sautéing the onions and garlic.
You can also customize the recipe by adding other ingredients such as diced ham, bacon, or cooked sausage. Some people also like to add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to give the dish a bit of acidity. The key is to experiment with different ingredients and find the combination that works best for you.
How do I prepare the potatoes for cooking?
To prepare the potatoes, start by washing them thoroughly and then peeling them using a vegetable peeler. Next, chop the potatoes into bite-sized pieces, making sure they are all roughly the same size so that they cook evenly. You can either chop the potatoes into cubes, slices, or wedges, depending on your personal preference.
Once the potatoes are chopped, place them in a bowl of cold water to remove excess starch. After about 30 minutes, drain the potatoes and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This step is important to help the potatoes cook evenly and prevent them from becoming too sticky or mushy.
Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned green beans?
Yes, you can definitely use fresh green beans instead of canned green beans. In fact, fresh green beans have a more vibrant flavor and texture compared to canned green beans. To use fresh green beans, simply trim the ends and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Then, blanch the green beans in boiling water for about 3-5 minutes, or until they are tender but still crisp.
After blanching the green beans, immediately plunge them into an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This step is important to help preserve the color and texture of the green beans. Once the green beans have cooled, you can add them to the recipe along with the potatoes and other ingredients.
How do I cook the potatoes and green beans together?
To cook the potatoes and green beans together, start by heating some oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it is translucent, then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Next, add the chopped potatoes and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are tender and lightly browned.
Once the potatoes are cooked, add the canned green beans (or fresh green beans) to the skillet, along with some salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the green beans are heated through and the flavors have melded together. Serve the dish hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Can I add protein to the dish for added nutrition?
Yes, you can definitely add protein to the dish to make it more nutritious and filling. Some popular protein options include diced ham, cooked sausage, bacon, chicken, or tofu. Simply cook the protein of your choice separately and then add it to the skillet with the potatoes and green beans.
You can also use canned tuna or salmon as a protein source, which can be added directly to the skillet along with the green beans and potatoes. Just be sure to drain the liquid from the canned fish before adding it to the recipe. By adding protein to the dish, you can make it more satisfying and filling, while also boosting its nutritional value.
How do I store leftovers of the dish?
To store leftovers of the dish, start by letting it cool to room temperature. Then, transfer the cooled dish to an airtight container, such as a glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. You can store the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days, or freeze them for up to 2-3 months.
When reheating the leftovers, simply place the container in the microwave or oven and heat until the dish is warmed through. You can also add a splash of water or broth to the dish if it seems too dry or sticky. By storing leftovers properly, you can enjoy the dish for several days and reduce food waste.
Can I make the dish in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can definitely make the dish in a slow cooker, which is perfect for busy days when you don’t have time to monitor the cooking process. To make the dish in a slow cooker, simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker, including the chopped potatoes, green beans, onion, garlic, and any desired spices or herbs.
Cook the dish on low for about 6-8 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together. You can also cook the dish on high for about 3-4 hours, but be sure to check the potatoes regularly to avoid overcooking. By making the dish in a slow cooker, you can come home to a delicious and ready-to-eat meal.