🥦🍲 Aunt Lynn’s Green Bean Casserole is a classic and beloved side dish, especially during holiday gatherings. It’s known for its delicious combination of green beans, creamy mushroom soup, crispy fried onions, and a hint of seasoning. Here’s a comprehensive response with lots of information:
History:
Green Bean Casserole is a popular American dish that first gained prominence in the 1950s. It was invented by Dorcas Reilly, a home economist working in the test kitchen at Campbell’s Soup Company. The dish was created as a way to promote Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom soup, which was a relatively new product at the time. It quickly became a staple on many American dinner tables, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Components:
Aunt Lynn’s Green Bean Casserole typically consists of the following components:
- Green Beans: Fresh or canned green beans are the primary vegetable component. Fresh green beans are blanched before use, while canned ones are drained.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy mushroom soup forms the rich and savory base of the casserole.
- Fried Onions: Crispy fried onions are sprinkled on top of the casserole, providing a delicious, crunchy topping.
- Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, and sometimes garlic powder or Worcestershire sauce are used to season the casserole.
Steps to Prepare:
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making Aunt Lynn’s Green Bean Casserole:
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Green Beans: If using fresh green beans, trim the ends and blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes, then immediately plunge them into an ice bath to stop the cooking process. If using canned green beans, simply drain them.
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Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the green beans, cream of mushroom soup, a pinch of salt, black pepper, and any additional seasonings you prefer.
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Transfer to a Casserole Dish: Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
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Top with Fried Onions: Sprinkle a generous amount of crispy fried onions on top of the casserole.
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Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the fried onions are golden brown.
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Serve: Let it cool slightly and serve it while it’s warm.
Time Needed:
The preparation time for Aunt Lynn’s Green Bean Casserole is roughly 10-15 minutes. Baking time takes around 25-30 minutes. So, in total, you can have this delicious dish ready to enjoy in approximately 35-45 minutes.
I hope this detailed response helps you prepare this classic dish, complete with emojis for a touch of fun! 🍽️😊
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Aunt Lynn’s Green Bean Casserole:
Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximately 1 cup):
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Calories: Approximately 200-250 calories, depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
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Protein: About 5-8 grams, mainly from the green beans and the cream of mushroom soup.
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Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-30 grams, primarily from the green beans and any added seasonings.
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Dietary Fiber: Green beans are a good source of dietary fiber, providing around 4-5 grams per serving.
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Fats: Around 10-15 grams, mainly from the cream of mushroom soup and fried onions.
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Sodium: The casserole can be relatively high in sodium, with approximately 600-800 milligrams per serving, primarily due to the canned cream of mushroom soup and any additional salt added.
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Vitamins and Minerals: Green beans are a good source of vitamins C and K, as well as various minerals like potassium. The cream of mushroom soup may also provide some additional vitamins and minerals.
Health Information:
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Green Beans: Green beans are a healthy vegetable choice. They are low in calories and high in dietary fiber, which can help with digestion and provide a feeling of fullness. They are also a good source of vitamins C and K, as well as folate and various minerals.
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Cream of Mushroom Soup: The cream of mushroom soup used in the casserole can be creamy and delicious but may be relatively high in saturated fat and sodium. You can opt for reduced-sodium or lower-fat versions of the soup to make the dish healthier.
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Fried Onions: While crispy fried onions add a delightful crunch to the casserole, they are often fried in oil and can add extra fat and calories. Using them in moderation or choosing low-fat alternatives can be a healthier option.
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Sodium Content: One thing to be mindful of is the sodium content in the casserole, especially if you have dietary restrictions related to salt. Using low-sodium versions of the cream of mushroom soup and limiting additional salt can help reduce the sodium content.
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Portion Size: Be mindful of your portion size, as the calories and fat content can add up quickly. Enjoying Aunt Lynn’s Green Bean Casserole in moderation as a side dish can be a tasty and nutritious addition to your meal.
Remember that the specific nutritional content can vary based on the brands and ingredients you use, so it’s a good idea to check product labels for accurate information. Additionally, if you have specific dietary concerns or health goals, consider consulting with a healthcare professional or nutritionist for personalized advice. 🥦🍽️
