DinnerCountGarlic Butter Green Beans
These green beans need only one pot. Fresh green beans boil until they are bright green and tender with a little snap, and then they are drained well. Garlic softens in butter in the same pot, and the beans go back in to be tossed with black pepper. They are simple enough to serve with anything, and the garlic butter helps kids eat them.
Ingredients (serves 4)
- Green beans1 lb
- Butter2 tbsp
- Garlic clove2 cloves
- Salt½ tsp
- Black pepperto taste
How Much to Make for 2, 4, 6, or 8
For 2 people, you’ll need ½ lb green beans and 1 tbsp butter.
For 4 people, you’ll need 1 lb green beans and 2 tbsp butter.
For 6 people, you’ll need 1½ lb green beans and 3 tbsp butter.
For 8 people, you’ll need 2 lb green beans and 4 tbsp (½ stick) butter.
| Ingredient | For 2 | For 4 | For 6 | For 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green beans | ½ lb | 1 lb | 1½ lb | 2 lb |
| Butter | 1 tbsp | 2 tbsp | 3 tbsp | 4 tbsp (½ stick) |
| Garlic clove | 1 clove | 2 cloves | 3 cloves | 4 cloves |
| Salt | ¼ tsp | ½ tsp | ¾ tsp | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | to taste | to taste | to taste | to taste |
The amounts are rounded to what you can measure at home. Pounds are rounded to the nearest quarter or third, cups to the marks on a measuring cup, and spoons to real measuring spoons. An egg stays whole. Because of the rounding, some amounts are the same at two sizes.
- For 2: This recipe is written for 4 adult-size portions. You are cooking about 2 adult portions, which is roughly 0.5 times the recipe. This is less than the recipe assumes, and the same pot works. The water boils sooner, and the cooking time is the same.
- For 6: This recipe is written for 4 adult-size portions. You are cooking about 6 adult portions, which is roughly 1.5 times the recipe. This calls for a 6-quart pot. At about 1.5× the recipe it still fits. The pot is fuller, so the water takes longer to boil. The beans may need a minute or two more.
- For 8: This recipe is written for 4 adult-size portions. You are cooking about 8 adult portions, which is roughly 2 times the recipe. This calls for a 6-quart pot. At about 2× the recipe it still fits. The pot is fuller, so the water takes longer to boil. The beans may need a minute or two more.
In DinnerCount, this recipe is sized to exactly who’s home tonight, whether that is a hungry teenager, a toddler, or a guest.
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Steps
- Fill a large pot with water, add the salt, cover it, and bring it to a boil over high heat. While the water heats, snap or cut the stem ends off the green beans. Finely chop the garlic cloves.
- When the water boils, add the beans and boil them for 4 to 5 minutes. The beans are done when they are bright green and tender with a slight snap. Drain them well, because wet beans will not hold the butter.
- Put the empty pot back over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring, just until you can smell it. Do not let the garlic brown, or it will turn bitter.
- Return the beans to the pot and toss them in the garlic butter. Season with black pepper, and serve.
Good to Know
- Contains Milk. This comes from the ingredient names, so it is not a complete list. The ingredient names do not show what is inside a jar, a mix, or a sauce, and formulas change. For an allergy or intolerance, read the package every time, and never decide from this line.
