Bravo Green Beans are a simple recipe that add a crunch and superb flavour to both hot and cold meals. The Italian dressing adds a silkiness that will have you licking the bowl. I often serve them hot with a lovely fish dish such as Dover Sole Meuniere or Foil Baked Fish. Alternatively, during the warmer months, they are superb as a side dish to a salad. Very simply boil first and when cooked to your liking plunge them into cold water to maintain their colour and crispness. This has the advantage of being made in advance and kept in the refrigerator.
There is something rather special about a good side dish. I have always believed that the food sitting alongside the main course deserves just as much attention as the star of the plate. In fact, sometimes a particularly good side dish can steal the show altogether. Bravo Cream Beans are a lovely example of this, bringing comfort, flavour and a little something different to the dinner table.
Beans have been part of family cooking for generations. They are inexpensive, filling and wonderfully versatile. However, I think they deserve more attention than simply being an afterthought. When prepared with a creamy finish, they become something altogether more interesting. The soft texture and gentle flavour make them an excellent companion to so many different meals.
One of the things I particularly enjoy about dishes like this is their simplicity. You don’t need an expensive collection of ingredients or complicated cooking techniques to create something that tastes delicious. Instead, it is about bringing a few good flavours together and allowing them to complement one another. That is often where the best home cooking begins.
A side dish for almost any occasion
Bravo Cream Beans work particularly well alongside roasted meats. I can imagine them sitting happily beside a roast chicken, a lovely piece of pork or even some slow-cooked beef. Their creamy consistency provides a pleasant contrast to crisp roast potatoes and vegetables. Furthermore, they bring a little extra comfort to an otherwise traditional dinner.
However, I wouldn’t save them just for Sunday lunch. They can also make an excellent addition to a midweek meal when time is short. Serve them alongside grilled sausages, chops or a simple piece of pan-fried chicken. You could even enjoy them with some crusty bread for a satisfying lunch.
I also think beans make wonderful food for sharing. Place a warm serving dish in the middle of the table and let everyone help themselves. It is a relaxed way of eating, particularly when family and friends gather for dinner.
Making the most of simple ingredients
For me, the secret to good side dishes is knowing when to keep things simple. There is no need to overpower the natural flavour of the beans with too many competing ingredients. Instead, a little care with seasoning and texture can make all the difference.
Of course, presentation matters too. A generous serving in a warm bowl, perhaps finished with a little fresh greenery, makes these beans look just as inviting as they taste.
Ultimately, I love recipes like Bravo Cream Beans because they remind me that good food doesn’t always need to be complicated. A main course might attract everyone’s attention, but a really enjoyable side dish gives the meal its character. And personally, I would much rather have a table full of delicious accompaniments than leave them as an afterthought.
Bravo Green Beans
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup green beans drained
- 2 tbsp onion chopped
- 1 large plum tomato diced
- 2 tbsp sour cream low-fat
- 1 tbsp Italian dressing fat-free
- salt
Instructions
- Place a pan of water on a high heat and bring to the boil.
- Add the green beans and cook until they are to your liking.1/2 cup green beans
- When the beans are cooked but still have a little crunch left, remove from the heat, drain and add to the serving dish.
- Combine all ingredients together and serve2 tbsp onion, 1 large plum tomato, 2 tbsp sour cream, 1 tbsp Italian dressing
37 comments
The dressing make this side dish. Will be serving often from now.
I tried these alongside a grilled steak and they were excellent. A lovely alternative to the usual potato sides.
These were a big hit with the family. Even those who aren’t usually keen on beans went back for more.
I love finding new ways to serve beans and this one didn’t disappoint. Creamy, comforting and full of flavour.
An easy and inexpensive dish that tastes much more special than you might expect. Very pleased with it.
A lovely recipe and one that I can see becoming a regular addition to our Sunday dinners.
Simple to prepare and very tasty. Just what I want from a good side dish.
A delicious side dish that went perfectly with our roast chicken. Everyone enjoyed them and there was nothing left.
I made these to go with grilled sausages and they worked brilliantly. Much nicer than ordinary beans.
I really enjoyed these cream beans. They were lovely and creamy, with plenty of flavour. A great addition to dinner.
A great way to make beans more interesting. The creamy flavour was delicious without being too heavy.
A lovely side dish for a midweek dinner. Quick, simple and full of flavour.
Good flavour and lovely texture. I added a little garlic, which gave them an extra depth that we really enjoyed.
I served these with chicken and roasted vegetables. They brought everything together beautifully.
These are surprisingly moreish! I only made a small portion as a side, but everyone wanted seconds.
A fantastic accompaniment to grilled pork chops. The creamy beans complemented the meat perfectly.
A lovely addition to the dinner table. I would happily serve these to friends and family again.
Really nice recipe. I would perhaps add a pinch of chilli next time for a little warmth, but they were lovely as written.
A very nice recipe, although I would personally use a little less cream next time. Still thoroughly enjoyed it.
Really good flavour and a lovely consistency. I particularly liked how easy they were to make.
Really delicious and wonderfully simple. Sometimes the simplest dishes are the ones that get remembered.
A comforting little dish that is perfect for colder evenings. I will certainly be making these again.
A really enjoyable dish that went down well at our family dinner. I will definitely keep this recipe.
I made these for a family meal and everyone asked how I had prepared them. A definite success.
My husband loved these and has already asked when we are having them again. That is always a good sign!
A nice change from our usual vegetable sides. The beans were tender and had a lovely taste.
I wasn’t sure what to expect, but these turned out beautifully. Definitely something I will make again.
I served these alongside roast beef and they were wonderful. Something a little different from the usual sides.
I enjoyed these, although I would probably add a little more seasoning next time. Otherwise, absolutely lovely.
Very tasty, although I found the sauce a little thinner than I would have liked. I will adjust that slightly next time.
These were delicious. I added a little fresh parsley before serving and it made a lovely finishing touch.
Lovely creamy texture and a really comforting flavour. I served them with sausages and mashed potatoes.
Really enjoyed these. I added a little extra black pepper, which worked wonderfully with the creamy flavour.
Very tasty and comforting. I think they would also work well served with some crusty bread.
Perfect comfort food and so easy to prepare. I can see this becoming one of my favourite bean dishes.
Lovely beans, although I personally prefer mine with a slightly thicker sauce. The flavour was excellent.
The whole family enjoyed this recipe. It was easy to prepare and made a welcome change to our usual vegetables.