Vegan Green Bean Casserole
Total Time: 1hr Servings: 6-8 servings
INGREDIENTS
- 1 lb green beans, trimmed and cut into 2 inch pieces
- ½ lb mushrooms, small diced
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons vegan butter
- 3 Tablespoons flour
- 2 cups unsweetened non-dairy milk
- 1 Tablespoon vegetarian bouillon
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1½ cups store-bought fried onions
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the green beans and sauté for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Toss in the mushrooms and 1 teaspoon of salt. Continue cooking for another 7 minutes, or until the mushrooms release their juices and shrink in size.
- Transfer the cooked vegetables into a 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading them out evenly.
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and stir until it forms a smooth paste.
- Cook the paste for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, bouillon, and garlic powder. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Continue whisking occasionally for 4–5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Adjust the consistency with more flour (if too thin) or more milk (if too thick).
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the creamy sauce over the vegetables in the casserole dish and gently stir to coat everything evenly.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle fried onions on top, and bake for an additional 20 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Photo Credit: https://mindfulavocado.com/vegan-green-bean-casserole/
BENEFITS
Green beans, also known as snap beans or string beans, are a nutritious and versatile vegetable packed with essential nutrients. They are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which supports digestive health, and are rich in vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin K, crucial for immune support and bone health. Green beans also provide a healthy dose of antioxidants such as beta-carotene and lutein, which help combat oxidative stress and support eye health. Low in calories yet high in nutrients, they are a fantastic addition to any meal, whether steamed, roasted, or added to soups and casseroles.