Are you looking for a delicious way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals? Look no further than bush beans! These versatile legumes are packed with nutrients and can be prepared in a wide variety of ways. From classic Southern-style cooking to international twists, there’s a bush bean recipe out there to suit every taste.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 flavorful bush bean recipes that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy side dish or a hearty main course, these recipes are sure to please. From garlic butter sautéed beans to spicy Cajun-style beans with Andouille sausage, there’s something for everyone.
So why wait? Dive in and start cooking up some delicious bush bean dishes today!
Garlic Butter Sautéed Bush Beans
Transform humble bush beans into a flavorful and aromatic side dish with this easy recipe. Garlic butter adds a rich and savory dimension to the tender beans.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh or frozen bush beans, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: lemon wedges and chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rinse the bush beans under cold water, then pat dry with paper towels.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant (about 1 minute).
3. Add the bush beans to the skillet, stirring to coat with the garlic butter mixture.
4. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the beans are tender but still crisp, stirring occasionally.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges and chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Spicy Cajun Bush Beans with Andouille Sausage
Experience the bold flavors of Louisiana with this hearty and spicy dish that combines tender bush beans, flavorful Andouille sausage, and a hint of Cajun spice.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried bush beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 2 pounds Andouille sausage, sliced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a large pot, combine soaked bush beans, Andouille sausage, onion, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
3. Add salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Pour in olive oil and stir well.
5. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
6. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until beans are tender.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions and crusty bread on the side.
Cooking Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Slow-Cooked Southern-Style Bush Beans
These tender, flavorful beans are a staple of Southern cuisine. With minimal effort and a slow cooker, you can enjoy this comforting side dish all year round.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried bush beans (such as Great Northern or Navy)
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 ham hock or 1/4 cup bacon bits
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the beans and soak them in water for at least 8 hours or overnight.
2. Drain and add the beans, onion, garlic, ham hock or bacon, salt, black pepper, cumin, and red pepper flakes to a slow cooker.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Lemon Herb Roasted Bush Beans
Brighten up your meal with the tangy flavor of lemon and herbs, perfectly balanced in this simple roasted bush bean recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound bush beans, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and rosemary.
3. Add the bush beans to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the herb mixture.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Spread the bean mixture in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender and caramelized, stirring occasionally.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Bacon-Wrapped Bush Bean Bundles
Transform humble bush beans into a show-stopping appetizer with this easy recipe. Crispy bacon and caramelized onions elevate these simple bundles to new heights.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup bush beans, trimmed
– 6 slices of bacon, cut in half
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together bush beans, bacon, onions, garlic, and olive oil.
3. Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and shape each portion into a bundle.
4. Wrap each bean bundle with a half-slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if needed.
5. Place the bundles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and caramelized.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Maple Glazed Bush Beans with Pecans
Elevate your vegetable game with this simple yet impressive recipe that combines the natural sweetness of maple syrup with the crunch of pecans. This side dish is perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to holiday gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound bush beans, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together maple syrup, olive oil, and Dijon mustard. Add the bush beans and toss to coat.
4. Spread the bean mixture on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Sprinkle chopped pecans over the beans.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the beans are tender and caramelized.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Bush Bean and Tomato Salad with Feta
This refreshing salad combines the sweetness of tomatoes and the earthiness of bush beans with the tanginess of feta, perfect for a light summer meal or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup bush beans, trimmed
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine bush beans and cherry tomatoes.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Crumble feta cheese over the top of the salad.
4. Toss gently to combine.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just 10 minutes. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Smoky BBQ Bush Beans with Pulled Pork
This recipe combines the tender, smoky flavor of pulled pork with the comforting sweetness of bush beans, all wrapped up in a tangy BBQ sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pulled pork
– 1 cup dried bush beans (such as Great Northern or Navy)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
4. Add the bush beans and stir to combine with the onion mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the beans are slightly tender.
5. Stir in the BBQ sauce and pulled pork until well combined.
6. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
7. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Bush Bean and Corn Succotash
This succulent dish is a staple of summer cooking, combining the sweetness of corn with the earthy flavor of bush beans. It’s an easy and delicious side dish that pairs well with grilled meats or as a standalone vegetarian option.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup bush beans, trimmed
– 2 cups frozen corn kernels
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in the bush beans and corn kernels.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until the beans are tender, stirring occasionally.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Crispy Parmesan Bush Bean Fries
Elevate your snack game with this unique recipe that transforms bush beans into crispy, cheesy fries!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup bush beans, trimmed and cut into fry shapes
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour and Parmesan cheese.
3. Dip each bean fry into the flour mixture, coating evenly.
4. Place coated frites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with panko breadcrumbs.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
7. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Bush Bean and Mushroom Stir-Fry
This simple recipe combines the sweetness of bush beans with the earthy flavor of mushrooms, all stir-fried to perfection. It’s a great option for a weeknight dinner or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup bush beans, sliced
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent (about 3 minutes).
3. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown (about 4-5 minutes).
4. Add the bush beans, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the beans are tender.
5. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Balsamic Roasted Bush Beans with Red Onion
This simple yet flavorful recipe brings out the natural sweetness of bush beans, while a tangy balsamic glaze adds a depth of flavor. Perfect as a side dish or added to your favorite pasta or rice bowl.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound bush beans, trimmed
– 1 large red onion, sliced into thin rings
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a bowl, toss bush beans with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread beans on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Roast for 15-20 minutes or until tender and slightly caramelized.
5. Meanwhile, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Add sliced red onion and cook for 5-7 minutes or until softened and lightly browned.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar and minced garlic.
7. Remove beans from oven and toss with balsamic glaze, red onion, and salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Bush Bean and Ham Hock Soup
This comforting soup is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, featuring tender bush beans and rich ham hocks. It’s a great way to warm up on a chilly day.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried bush beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 2 ham hocks
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the bush beans, ham hocks, onion, and garlic.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and add the thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 hour.
4. Remove the ham hocks from the pot and let them cool. Once cooled, pull off any meat and return it to the soup.
5. Continue to simmer the soup for another 30 minutes or until the beans are tender.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cheesy Bush Bean Casserole with Breadcrumbs
A hearty, comforting casserole that combines the flavors of bush beans, cheese, and crunchy breadcrumbs.
Ingredients:
– 1 (16 oz) can bush beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine bush beans, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, butter, thyme, and salt. Mix well until combined.
3. Pour the bean mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Sprinkle breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is hot and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Bush Bean and Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
Brighten up your dinner plate with this flavorful and nutritious recipe! Sweet bell peppers are filled with a savory mixture of quinoa, bush beans, and spices, perfect for a quick and easy meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1 cup frozen bush beans, thawed
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut off the tops of the peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, bush beans, chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each pepper with the quinoa mixture, filling to the top.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the peppers and bake for 30-40 minutes or until tender.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Thai Coconut Curry Bush Beans
Thai Coconut Curry Bush Beans: A Flavorful and Nutritious Side Dish
This recipe combines the sweetness of bush beans with the creamy richness of Thai coconut curry, making it a perfect accompaniment to your favorite main courses.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound bush beans, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 1 cup curry paste
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Add bush beans; cook for 5 minutes or until they start to soften.
4. Stir in curry paste, cumin, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour in coconut milk; bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to medium-low; let it cook for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce has thickened and the beans are tender.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Garnish with cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Bush Bean and Potato Hash
This hearty hash recipe combines tender bush beans with crispy potatoes, perfect for a satisfying breakfast or brunch. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful dish that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup bush beans, trimmed
– 2-3 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 small onion, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the bush beans with 1/4 teaspoon salt.
3. On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spread the potatoes in an even layer. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss gently to coat.
4. Roast the potatoes in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until tender and lightly browned.
5. Remove the potatoes from the oven and add the chopped onion (if using). Stir to combine.
6. Add the bush beans to the potato mixture and stir to combine.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pickled Bush Beans with Dill and Garlic
A classic Southern side dish, these pickled bush beans are a flavorful accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb fresh or frozen bush beans, trimmed
– 1 cup (250ml) white vinegar
– 1/2 cup (125ml) water
– 1/4 cup (60g) granulated sugar
– 2 tbsp (30g) pickling spice
– 1 tsp (5g) garlic powder
– 1 tsp (5g) dried dill weed
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, pickling spice, garlic powder, and dill weed.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Pack bush beans into clean glass jars, leaving 1/4 inch (6mm) headspace.
5. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the beans, making sure they’re completely covered.
6. Seal jars and let them cool to room temperature.
7. Refrigerate or store in a cool place for at least 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Summary
Looking for delicious and versatile bush bean recipes? You’re in luck! This article features 18 mouthwatering recipes that showcase the flavorful versatility of bush beans. From classic sautéed dishes to innovative twists like bacon-wrapped bundles and cheesy casseroles, there’s something for every occasion and taste bud. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping side dish, these recipes are sure to please.