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Creole-style yellow wax beans are loaded with color and flavor when you add tomatoes, onions, and bell pepper. The tasty combination is a great way to elevate the mild flavored beans. You could add a dash of cayenne for spicy flavor or use stewed tomatoes instead of plain diced tomatoes. The wax beans make a tasty, colorful side dish to serve with a roast, chicken, steaks, or pork.
Garden-fresh wax beans are wonderful, or use a combination of green and yellow beans.
What You’ll Like About This Dish
Fresh and flavorful. Bright vegetables and Creole seasoning turn basic beans into something special.
Quick and easy. A fast side dish that comes together in under 30 minutes.
Versatile pairing. Goes well with everything from pork chops to baked chicken.
Colorful presentation. Adds eye-catching color to any dinner plate.
Ingredient Notes
- Yellow wax beans: Mild and tender, these beans are great fresh from the garden or farmer’s market. Green beans can be substituted.
- Salt: Used to season the boiling water and enhance flavor throughout.
- Butter: Adds richness and brings the vegetables together.
- Shallot or onion: Either works well—shallots are a bit milder and sweeter.
- Green bell pepper: Adds color and a subtle earthy flavor.
- Flour: Helps thicken the tomato mixture slightly.
- Diced tomatoes: Canned tomatoes bring moisture and acidity to balance the dish.
- Creole seasoning: A flavorful spice blend that adds a gentle kick—adjust to taste.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground gives a slight sharpness and balances the sweetness of the vegetables.
Steps to Make Creole Wax Beans
- Add wax beans to a saucepan, cover with water, and add salt.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until just tender. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté the shallot and bell pepper until tender.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes to form a light roux.
- Add diced tomatoes, Creole seasoning, and pepper; bring to a simmer.
- Return the beans to the pan and stir until heated through.
Tips
- Use stewed tomatoes for a softer texture and slightly sweeter flavor.
- Add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier version.
- If your tomatoes are very acidic, stir in a pinch of sugar to balance the flavor.
- Green beans can be used in place of wax beans—or use a combination for more color.
Recipe Variations
- Use stewed tomatoes. Substitute for diced tomatoes for a milder, richer base.
- Make it spicy. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to bring heat.
- Swap the beans. Green beans or a mix of green and yellow beans work well here.
- Add herbs. Finish with fresh parsley or thyme for an herby accent.
- Smoky twist. Stir in a bit of smoked paprika or chopped cooked bacon for depth.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside roast chicken, pork loin, or baked ham.
- Add to a holiday table for a colorful vegetable side.
- Pair with red beans and rice or jambalaya for a Southern-inspired meal.
- Top with crumbled bacon or chopped parsley for garnish.
How to Store
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat until heated through, or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally.
Creole Wax Beans
Ingredients
- 1 pound yellow wax beans
- 1 tsp salt for the cooking water, plus more to taste, as needed
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp finely chopped shallot or onion
- ¼ cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- ½ tsp Creole seasoning, or to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
- Trim the wax beans and cut them into 2-inch lengths. Put them in a medium saucepan and cover with water; add 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring the beans to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 7 to 9 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender, or as tender as you like. Drain and set aside.1 pound yellow wax beans | 1 tsp salt for the cooking water
- Melt the butter in the same saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallot and bell pepper and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and aromatic.2 tbsp butter | 2 tbsp finely chopped shallot or onion | 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
- Add the flour to the vegetables and cook, stirring for 2 minutes.1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Add the tomatoes and Creole seasoning and bring to a simmer. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, as needed.1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes | 1/2 tsp Creole seasoning | Freshly ground black pepper
- Add the wax beans and heat through.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
