Thursday, June 30, 2016

Green Beans with Summer Savory

Green Beans with Summer Savory

Summer savory is a culinary herb. It was first introduced to me while at Grandpas Farm and Pet store which now sells vegetables and plants. I was talking to “grandma” and she told me that I had to buy the savory, and then she added; “it is a kitchen staple after all and goes great with green beans". So I left with my new found herb and starting googling what is summer savory. What I found out surprised me. Savory is part of the mint family and the flavor is hard to describe. Someone writes that it taste a little like thyme, while another says that it reminds them of marjoram. I also learned that if you let the plant flower it will re-seed itself and come back the next year and it is supposed to be an easy plant to start from seed.

Summer Savory

The preparation was simple; first I blanched the green beans about 4 minutes and set them in an ice bath, next I sautéed the beans with olive oil, garlic and the summer savory and finished with a touch of salt. The end result was delicious, they were a tad crisp with lots of flavor. They are good warm or cold and even make a great snack. By the way..... I think savory tastes more like marjoram.

Ingredients:

1 pound green beans (trimmed)
1 shallot (minced)
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon fresh savory
Salt to taste

Preparation:

In a large pot boil water then add green beans and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes. (you want them to be crisp-tender). Drain and place in an ice bath until cool. Drain and pat dry.
In a large skillet add olive oil and shallots, sauté about 2 to 3 minutes, until tender. Add green beans and savory, tossing to coat. Taste, season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.


Cheri Savory Spoon
Cheri Savory Spoon

Mysavoryspoon was first started in 2010 as a way to journal recipes that I had collected from cookbooks, magazines, family and friends. Most everything was savory, using legumes and whole grains. Along the way I discovered a love for baking. Now a couple times a month you might see some type of sweet pie or treat.

57 comments:

  1. Savory in one herb I don't believe I've ever used! From your photo it looks a little like rosemary but I'm sure it tastes different. Fresh herbs and fresh veggies - what could be better in the summer!

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    1. Thanks Susan. I've never heard of it before either, but it is very fragrant and delcious, will be growing again next year.

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  2. I have a confession to make, that I have never used savory herb in my recipes. But this needs to be changed soon. Green beans with summer savory sounds delicious. Thanks for sharing this, Cheri.

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    1. This was my first time to Anu, but so delicious, well worth growing some if you can.

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  3. Well you can add me to the list of those who have never used savory. Your green beans were delicious I'm sure with your nice fresh ingredients.

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    1. Thanks Karen, it seems that this herb is new to many of us, myself included.

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  4. We have had fresh green beans twice this week but hsve never tried them with savory. In fact, I don't believe I have ever had it. You make me curious!

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    1. I am hooked Mindy, the flavor is wonderful and is growing very well in my garden. Nice to see you!

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  5. I love that the beans are now at the market, Cheri. Aren't they gorgeous? Your dish is what summer is all about - simple, fresh, flavorful. Perfect!

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    1. They are gorgeous Robyn and so delicious. Loving cucumbers right now too.

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  6. Love this Cheri! Sounds delicious!!

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  7. It looks almost like rosemary...the green bean looks light and very tasty.

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    1. It does look like Rosemary bu it is a lot more delicate. Thanks Angie! You

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  8. Cherie: I haven't used savory much nor do I see it in the markets here but it sounds divine and I'll have to search it out more. I love the idea of the crispy green beens with olive oil and fragrant herbs. Thanks so much. D

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    1. If you get the chance to pick some savory up you will not be disappointed Dena, so much flavor. Hope you are having a wonderful summer, take care!

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  9. A great summer recipe, love the sound of this.

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  10. When I was 14 and visiting Germany with my friends, I bought a package of "Böhnenkraut” for my mother to use with beans. It turned out to be savory! And it is truly perfect for beans!

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    1. Wow! what a cool son you are, you most of been a foodie back then. Have a wonderful 4th!

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  11. Love this recipe. Pinned. I grew Summer Savory at my old house, and yes, it came back every year. Even in cold Colorado. :)

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    1. Hi Lea Ann, I am new to this wonderful little flavorful herb, how great to have it come back year after year.

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  12. I have not heard about it before, so no idea about it..but it looks so fresh

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Moumita, have a great week-end!

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  13. Hi cheri,
    Hmm ... a lovely name summer savory! Don't think I've seen any at where I live. Love how you cooked the green beans, yum!

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  14. You've inspired me to find seeds for savory when I'm overseas as I cannot find any dried savory here and I need it for a recipe 😀

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    1. Hi Tandy, savory is supposed to be easy to grow from seed so that is a great option. Take care!

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  15. In Germany summer savory is called Bohnenkraut which translates herbs for beans and it is used all the time. I would love to buy a plant for my garden in California. I have to look for it.

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    1. Looks like I have been missing out Gerlinde, so glad I found out about this amazing herb this summer. The lady who I bought my plant from here started them from seeds. Take care!

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  16. I'm not overly familiar with this herb, but now I'd like to try it. We'll have to add it to our garden!

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    1. Isn't nice having a garden, so satisfying to pick veggies and herbs for meals. Thanks Amy.

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  17. I need to plant savory in my garden next year! Nice to know it pairs beautifully with beans. Happy holiday weekend, Cheri!

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    1. thanks Liz, savory will be in my garden from now on too. Take care!

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  18. I need to add some summer savoury to my garden. I've got winter savoury, which I like as well. Maybe there's still time to add some before my beans are done in August!

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    1. Never heard of savory until this year Teresa, winter savory sounds delicious too!

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  19. I just love fresh green beans, and the herbs are such a nice touch!

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  20. I just love fresh green beans, and the herbs are such a nice touch!

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  21. I love herbs. Savory and beans for me is a new composition!

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  22. Sounds like a wonderful way to dress up fresh green beans!

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    1. Thanks Beth, a wonderful flavorful new herb to me.

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  23. Hi Cheri, you must thank your Grandmom for this flavorful tidbit. Savory and Marjoram, I do believe are two of the few herbs I simply do not use! I'll give it a try.

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    1. Thanks Peggy, it is a great combo, have a great 4th!

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  24. Lovely to learn this since I'd never heard of summer savory! I love green beans and would love to try this. Hope you're enjoying a great 4th weekend!

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    1. Thanks Monica, yes we are having a great 4th, wish you and your family the best!

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  25. Mint might be interesting but my vote would be a marjoram flavor for beans =) Thank you for the intro to summer savory. Happy 4th of July, Cheri!

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    1. Thanks Kim, savory is a herb I will keep in my garden, it is wonderful.

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  26. i LOVE green beans, but i didn't know about this summer savory! i still learn something new every day. :)

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  27. I had never heard of summer savory either! I love learning about new ingredients. It kind of looks like rosemary. The green beans sound delicious and how fun to try something new!
    Thanks for sharing the recipe and informing us about savory, Cheri.

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    1. Thanks Shari, sounds like savory would grow in Az too, at least during the winter, going to try when we get back.

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  28. A tad crisp with loads of flavor sounds perfect to me! Lovely dish always welcome on our table.

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  29. Green beans are my all time favorite ingredients and i love cooking it quite often.
    Thanks for sharing this!

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  30. Green beans are my all time favorite and this is why i stumble by here. I am gonna make this right away!

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