Garlic Honey Dijon Green Beans – Gluten Free

 

I know I have posted a bunch of main meals, and I have had a lot of requests for sides.  So I will be posting a few of those as well in the coming weeks!

I think sides can make or break a meal.  Just like a fine wine gets paired with certain main course, I find that the right sides can really compliment a main dish.  When I was diagnosed with Celiac years and years ago, the only gluten free sides available was steamed….fill in the blank.  They would take broccoli or  carrots, steam them and call it a day.  You, of course, had to make sure they used a clean pan etc.  But people were so afraid of spices, or seasonings that it had to be plain and easy.

Just like  Celiac or gluten intolerance, it is boring to be plain and/or easy.    I have mentioned this before and I will mention it again.  Every single person presents so very differently with Celiac or even gluten intolerance.  In regards to Celiac disease, it is an autoimmune disease.  So the longer you have gone with symptoms undiagnosed the more your body may be shutting down.  So symptoms that may have started with stomach upset or heartburn years ago, may now be showing up with thyroid issues, weight issues, skin issues, headaches, unexplained cysts, lumps, bad menstrual cycles, floating stools, pale stools, diarrhea, constipation, tasting fumes or gases in your mouth, bad foul-smelling gas, bloated belly, low enamel on your teeth, osteopenia, osteoporosis, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, the list goes on and on.  In fact, my eyelashes all fell out.  Not sure if it was due to the stress on my body, the lack of nutrients getting to my body etc.  My doctors were baffled.  In fact, I even blamed it on a mascara company. Unfortunately  years later, and on a different mascara brand it happened again.

I know many families come to me for help, and their biggest fears are usually related to the flavor of gluten free foods, the texture, and what about their favorite foods they are giving up.  Let me be the first to tell you that we eat a LOT as a family.  Without all those fillers you tend to eat more.  I believe your body fights less to break them down and you can eat more.   We eat pretty healthy for the most part, and honestly we never skimp out on flavor.  I have 3 kids under the age of 7, so if it isn’t good, no one is going to eat it.  I can’t afford to waste food!  Food can and will be delicious.  I pride myself on having foods that no one can tell are gluten free.  Try out some of the recipes and let me know what you think.

Gluten free is not a lifetime sentence of gross, boring, flavorless food!  It is a lifetime of good healthy, yummy delicious, and good for you foods.

 

GARLIC HONEY DIJON GREEN BEANS

Gluten Free

INGREDIENTS:

1 bag of haricot vert (French Green Beans-thinner than regular green beans and tend to be a bit more tender)-found in your fresh vegetable section at your local grocery store)

5 cloves of fresh garlic minced

3 tbs of EVOO

1 tsp of salt

2 tsp of Honey Dijon Mustard (gluten free)

 

DIRECTIONS:

1.  Cut a small slit in your bag of green beans and microwave as directed on bag to steam.  If they are frozen you can thaw them out.  Or if they are fresh you can steam them in water and a steam basket on the stove.

2.  In a large non-stick skillet add the EVOO.  Turn the heat to just above medium and close to medium high.

3.  Once the oil is warm, add the garlic.  This process will go quick.  You want the flavors of the garlic to be released but not burn.  So once the garlic starts browning quickly add the green beans to the pan.

4.  Sautee them together and add the salt.  Mix and cook thoroughly.

5.  Add the honey Dijon and toss and cook for a total of 20 minutes until bean are somewhat soft.  You can cook them for less if you prefer crisper beans.

 

HAPPY EATING!