Bring Out the Best in Del Monte Green Beans: Tips and Recipes for Stovetop Perfection

As a busy home cook, I rely on quality canned and frozen vegetables to help get wholesome meals on the table quickly. Del Monte green beans are one of my go-to’s – their fresh flavor and tender crisp texture make them super versatile. But plain old boiled or microwaved canned beans can be boring. When cooked right on the stovetop Del Monte green beans really shine. Here I’ll share my tips and favorite recipes for cooking up delicious Del Monte green beans on the stove.

Why Choose Del Monte Green Beans?

Compared to ordinary canned green beans, Del Monte brings some key advantages:

• Picked at the peak of freshness and quickly processed to lock in natural flavor.

• Firm, crisp beans with a bright vibrant green color.

• Canned in smaller quantities to preserve texture and quality.

• Free from added preservatives, artificial flavors or colors.

• Versatile for many recipes – whole, cut, creamed, etc.

• BPA-free cans, for added peace of mind.

Their superior freshness makes Del Monte green beans extra tasty when cooked right on the stove.

Tips for Stovetop Perfection

Here are my top tips for cooking frozen or canned Del Monte green beans on the stovetop:

• Always drain and rinse before cooking to remove excess sodium.

• Use olive oil or butter to highlight their richness.

• Sauté over medium-high heat to get that crisp-tender texture.

• Toss them with minced garlic, lemon, herbs for extra flavor.

• Cook them al dente – tender yet still with a fresh crunch.

• For canned beans, cook just until heated through, about 5 minutes.

• For frozen beans, allow 10-12 minutes to thaw and cook through.

• Season well with salt, pepper and spices like cumin or paprika.

It only takes a few minutes on the stovetop to take Del Monte beans from plain to gourmet. Now let’s look at some easy stove-cooked recipes.

Skillet Sautéed Green Beans

My simple go-to weeknight side, this brings out the best in frozen or canned Del Monte green beans.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb frozen or 2 cans (14 oz each) Del Monte green beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme or oregano (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add green beans. Cook frozen beans 8-10 minutes, canned beans 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat. Toss with lemon juice and herbs.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

The fresh herbs and lemon brighten up the green beans beautifully. This recipe pairs well with simple chicken or fish dishes.

Green Beans with Bacon and Onion

This savory combo is green bean perfection:

Ingredients:

• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cans (14 oz each) or 1 lb frozen Del Monte green beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon 5 minutes until crisp.
2. Add onions and sauté 3 minutes until translucent.
3. Add green beans. Cook frozen beans 8-10 minutes, canned beans 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in balsamic vinegar.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Enjoy!

The bacon fat gives tons of richness, while the balsamic lends a tangy sweetness. This is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Lemony Pepper Green Beans Almondine

For something more upscale, try this elegant green bean dish:

Ingredients:

• 2 cans (14 oz each) or 1 lb frozen Del Monte green beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tbsp butter
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter.
2. Add green beans and red pepper flakes. Cook 5-8 minutes until tender.
3. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and almonds.
4. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
5. Serve warm. Garnish with extra almond slices if desired.

The lemon and almond flavors pair sublimely with the green beans. This gourmet side is perfect for date nights or holiday meals.

More Creative Uses for Del Monte Green Beans

Beyond side dishes, try these tasty ways to use up leftover Del Monte green beans:

• Purée into dips, spreads, soups.

• Toss with pasta, rice or quinoa.

• Mix into omelets, frittatas or stratas.

• Add to casseroles, lasagnas, pot pies.

• Blend into pestos, salsas, chutneys.

With a little imagination, you can give humble canned green beans an epic flavor makeover.

Quick, Healthy, Delicious

Thanks to their fresh picked flavor and crisp texture, Del Monte green beans need little fussing to become a delicious addition to any meal. A quick stovetop sauté transforms them from plain to extraordinary. With the right seasonings and mix-ins, you can experience gourmet, restaurant-quality sides using convenient canned or frozen green beans. Get ready to make these green beauties the star of your plate!