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 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the green beans and sauté for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. 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.
  4. Transfer the cooked vegetables into a 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading them out evenly.
  5. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and stir until it forms a smooth paste.
  6. Cook the paste for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma.
  7. Gradually whisk in the milk, bouillon, and garlic powder. Stir well to combine.
  8. 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).
  9. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Pour the creamy sauce over the vegetables in the casserole dish and gently stir to coat everything evenly.
  11. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  12. 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.