I need a green bean side dish for my 70-year-old father-in-law. Any ideas?

wutztgc
  • Posted by: wutztgc
  • January 24, 2012
  • 3432 views
  • 10 Comments

10 Comments

lloreen January 25, 2012
How is his age relevant? Does he have health issues or conservative tastes? I like to cook green beans in boiling water, then toss with a vinaigrette of 1 tsp whole grain mustard, 1tbs fresh tarragon, 1 tbs olive oil, 1 tsp lemon juice, and sprinkle with toasted sliced almonds.
 
jen67 January 24, 2012
there's a recipe using thin green beans (haricot verts) in a salad. The haricot verts are cooked using the boil then shock method. The dressing is basically a 2 to 1 mayo to sour cream combo w/minced red onion & garlic & worcestershire, black pepper. The beans are tosses in the dressing, then refrigerated for 8 hours. Then sprinkled w/chopped bacon & chopped boiled eggs.
 
Terryann January 24, 2012
My all time favorite is
Using 1pd fresh green beans ( you could also purchase the ones in the bag) just boil till tender drain in a sautéed pan add enough olive oil to cover bottom slice two sweet onions and cook till tender add 1/4cup chopped parsley salt and pepper to taste and add beans stir to heat through and serve. Enjoy
 
hrosdail January 24, 2012
For soft ones, which most 70 year olds prefer, I cook mine in the pressure cooker with bacon and chicken concentrate. It works the same for fresh or frozen. For crunchy, sautéed with wine, butter, almonds and basalmic is good or roasted in the oven.
 
Abby A. January 24, 2012
I love these garlicy Asian ones. so perfect. How does he feel about Chinese food?
http://www.food52.com/recipes/6562_asian_garlic_green_beans
 
linzarella January 24, 2012
These green beans are great: slow cooked, soft, and the kind of thing that would turn anyone - not just the 70+ set - onto longer cooked green beans: http://www.saveur.com/article/Recipes/Loubieh-Wa-Hommus-Bi-Ziet-Lebanese-Style-Green-Beans-With-Chickpeas-in-Olive-Oil
 
Lanna,Hazelwood January 24, 2012
My family's all time favorite green beans are sautéed. I use about half a pound of bacon(depending on how much green beans) and cut into strips. I sauté with chopped onion until the bacon is almost done. Then throw in my green beans and cook until done. Fresh green beans work perfectly as they are still slightly crisp but canned ones will work too they just get slightly mushier. I add little salt when done but add to taste because the bacon usually makes them salty enough for me. You can also add diced potatoes to the mix. Add with green beans. I use red potatoes.
 

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nutcakes January 24, 2012
Does he eat differently than others his age or other relatives of yours for some reason? If so, say, because I can't guess. My 73 yo mother and 85 yo father would be sad if they were served overcooked veggies based on bias.
 
jesscancook January 24, 2012
Steamed green beans (perhaps a little softer than usual, most elders like their veggies well done), drizzled with good olive oil, salt, and a really good shaving of fresh lemon zest. Delish!
 
Sam1148 January 24, 2012
That's kinda tough, as most older folks would prefer quite the opposite of what you'd think. Basically cooked to death very beans instead of crunchy fresh beans. It's going to depend on his tastes and comfort there.

However here's one of my favorites: Simmer rosemary springs and garlic and a touch of red pepper flakes in oil.
Just to extract flavors on very low heat. Don't let the garlic toast or burn...very low.

Use small fresh green beans, or the 'birdeyes' steam bag product. Without steaming just defrost or blanch fresh ones, to take off the edge.

Back to the pan: remove the herbs from the oil and place in some matchstick cut prosciutto ham to simmer just a bit. (option: add some chopped sun sundried tomatoes in oil at this point).
Toss the blanched beans in the flavored oil. to coat and add some bread crumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
 
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