Download Printable version of the Green Bean Fries
Green beans are in season from July to November in Skagit County.
Green Bean Fries with Ranch Dip
Time needed: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Fresh green beans offer a much wider range of cooking options than typical canned green beans. Skagit green beans are typically available in the summer and fall months. Take advantage of the local harvest for great flavor and nutrition! This kid-friendly recipe creates “fries” with cheese-topped green beans, and is accompanied by a very nutritious high high-protein, low-fat ranch dip
| INGREDIENTS ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (can substitute dairy-free cheese) ½ teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon salt 1lb fresh green beans, washed, ends trimmed Ranch Dressing/Dip 12 oz container of silken (soft) tofu 1/2 cup plain yogurt (dairy-free works great) 1 T ranch seasoning (Uncle Dan’s Original is msg/dairy-free) DIRECTIONS 1. Wash hands with soap and water. Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. 2. Make ranch by combining all three ingredients using a blender or food processor until smooth and creamy. You may add a small amount of water if needed to thin. 3. In a small bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and salt. 4. Place green beans on a non-stick baking pan, tightly grouped together but not lying on top of each other. Generously sprinkle seasoned parmesan on top of green beans. 5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the Parmesan has browned and the green beans are crispy. Remove from the oven and serve immediately with ranch dip. |
Kids in the Kitchen
Math and Science are easy for kids to learn using Green Beans.
Count the number of green beans that were included in the Harvest for Healthy Kids basket.
Incorporate a science activity by talking about the life cycle of a green bean. Explain that seeds must be planted in soil and receive water and sun in order to sprout and grow into a plant. Break open a green bean pod and see if you can locate the tiny beans. Count them! Explain that the tiny beans are actually small baby seeds.
Green beans are fun to prepare with very young children because they don’t require a knife for cutting. Instead, encourage kids to break each bean into pieces to help prepare for a meal! Green beans are also delicious raw. Encourage your child to try a taste!
Fun Fact: Did you know that beans are available in colors other than green? There are many varieties of beans, and a range of colors including yellow, purple, red, green, and even striped!
about 18 beans = 1 cup of green beans
How to Store Green Beans
Green beans should be stored unwashed in plastic bags in the refrigerator crisper for 3 to 5 days. Wash green beans just before preparation using cool, running water.
The Family Farms to Healthy Kids project is based upon work that is supported by the USDA Award CN-F2S-IMPL-20-WA-3. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed on this flyer are those of the author(s) and author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S.D.A. WSU is an equal opportunity provider.