In this easy green bean recipe, browning the butter before tossing it with the breadcrumbs produces a nice nutty flavor. Serve this green bean dish as an alternative to green bean casserole or as an easy side with steak, chicken or fish.

Green Beans with Parmesan-Garlic Breadcrumbs

Serves 6

Serving Size: 2/3 cup

Active Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

1 pound green beans, trimmed

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground pepper

3 tablespoons butter

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup fresh whole-wheat breadcrumbs

3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Bring 1 inch of water to a boil in a large saucepan fitted with a steamer basket. Add green beans, cover and steam until tender-crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl and season with salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook, swirling often, until starting to brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until the butter is nutty brown, about 30 seconds more. Stir in breadcrumbs and cook, stirring, until crispy, 3 to 4 minutes. Toss the breadcrumbs with the green beans. Top with cheese.

Recipe nutrition: Per serving: 108 calories; 7 g fat (4 g sat, 2 g mono); 17 mg cholesterol; 10 g carbohydrate; 0 g added sugars; 3 g total sugars; 3 g protein; 3 g fiber; 186 mg sodium; 193 mg potassium.

1/2 Carbohydrate Serving(s)

Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat

(EatingWell is a magazine and website devoted to healthy eating as a way of life. Online at www.eatingwell.com.)