Looking for a delicious and heartwarming dish that will impress both vegans and non-vegans alike? Say hello to our Vegan Green Bean Casserole with Homemade French Fried Onions! This creamy, flavorful casserole is the perfect addition to your dinner table, whether it's a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight meal. With tender green beans enveloped in a rich coconut milk sauce and topped with crispy, golden fried onions, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it's surprisingly easy to make! Dive into this article to discover how to create this mouthwatering dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that the casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- Prepare the green beans by trimming the ends and cutting them into bite-sized pieces if desired. Rinse them under cold water and set aside.
- In a large pot, bring a salted pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the green beans and blanch them for about 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Drain the beans and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain again and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the coconut milk and vegetable broth over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture is heated through but not boiling.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched green beans with the coconut milk and vegetable broth mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure the green beans are coated evenly.
- Transfer the green bean mixture into a greased 9x9 inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- To make the homemade French fried onions, heat a skillet over medium heat and add a couple of tablespoons of oil. While the oil is heating, toss the thinly sliced onion in flour until well coated.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated onions to the skillet. Fry the onions until they are golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Remove the onions from the skillet and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
- Sprinkle the fried onions generously over the green bean mixture in the baking dish, reserving some for topping later if desired.
- Top the casserole with breadcrumbs for an extra crunch and texture. You can also sprinkle a little more salt and pepper on top if desired.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until the edges are bubbling and the top is golden brown.
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help it set a bit for easier serving.
- Garnish with any reserved fried onions on top for added crunch and flavor before serving. Enjoy your Vegan Green Bean Casserole!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time on busy days, you can blanch the green beans and prepare the coconut milk mixture in advance. Just store them separately in the refrigerator until you're ready to assemble the casserole.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Add crushed nuts or seeds for extra crunch, or sprinkle some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
- Watch the Onions: When frying the onions, keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. Stir them frequently and adjust the heat as needed to achieve that perfect golden brown color.
- Experiment with Spices: Add a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or even a dash of cayenne pepper to the coconut milk mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or some crusty bread. Consider serving it alongside other vegan dishes for a complete plant-based meal.
- Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture, or microwave for a quick meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 0mg
