After numerous trials on this take on the classic holiday side, nothing beat good old canned soup and frozen green beans for the ease and texture that has made it a special occasion tradition. But this is not your mother’s green bean casserole! Fresh onions, mushrooms, and Marsala wine make it fresher and more flavorful than ever, and nonfat half-and-half makes it extra creamy. Options for toppers, including fried onions (of course), can be found below.
Made in a skillet, it’s also weeknight fast and everyday friendly. (And I love that it opens up more precious oven space.) If you prefer, you can also scoop the green bean mix into a casserole dish before topping and then bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes before serving. (If made early in the day, place in fridge and heat up to 30 minutes, or until hot).
Makes 8 Servings
Ingredients
1 pound frozen French-cut green beans
1 small onion, thinly sliced
2 cups thinly sliced mushrooms
1 garlic clove, minced
¼ cup Marsala wine (can substitute cooking sherry or beef broth)
1 (10.75-ounce) can reduced-fat cream of celery (or mushroom) soup
½ cup nonfat half-and-half
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon seasoned salt, optional
Optional toppers (see Marlene Says)
Instructions
1. Place the green beans in a large, microwave-safe dish, cover, and microwave for 4 minutes. Carefully uncover, stir the beans, re-cover, and microwave for 4 more minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. Spray a large, nonstick skillet with cooking spray, and place over medium-high heat. Add the onions and sauté for 3 minutes. Add mushrooms and garlic and cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Deglaze the pan with Marsala, stirring it into the vegetables.
3. Stir in the green beans, and toss to combine. Stir in the soup, half and half, pepper, and optional seasoned salt. Cover and simmer over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture is thickened and creamy. (If desired, place green bean mixture in a casserole dish and bake at 350ºF for 20 to 25 minutes before serving.)
Marlene Says: Top it your way! Sprinkle the green bean mixture in the skillet with either 2/3 cup (1/2 of a 3-ounce can) French fried onions (adds 30 calories per serving), 1/3 cup sliced toasted almonds (adds 20 calories per serving), or 1/3 cup Panko breadcrumbs toasted in a pan with 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder and 1 teaspoon oil (adds 10 calories per serving) before serving.
Nutrition Information Per Serving: (½ cup) Calories 70 | Carbohydrate 12g (Sugars 5g) | Total Fat 1g (Sat Fat 0g) | Protein 2g | Fiber 2g | Cholesterol 0mg | Sodium 140mg | Food Exchanges: 1 Vegetable, ½ Starch | Carbohydrate Choices: 1 | Weight Watcher Smart Point Comparison: Green 2, Blue 2, Purple 2
