If you're looking for a healthier alternative to traditional fries, consider green bean fries. These crispy and delicious fries are made from fresh green beans and offer a lower calorie count than potato fries. In fact, a serving of 8 pieces (69 g) of green bean fries contains only 140 calories.

Not only are green bean fries lower in calories than traditional fries, but they also offer a range of vital nutrients. For example, a serving of green bean fries is an excellent source of fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. These nutrients can benefit your overall health and reduce your risk of chronic diseases.

In this article, we'll explore what green bean fries are, their calorie count, nutritional value, health benefits, how to make them, serving suggestions, precautions for consumption, where to buy them, alternatives to green bean fries, and a conclusion on why you should try them out!

What are Green Bean Fries?

Green bean fries are made by coating fresh green beans in a mixture of breadcrumbs and seasoning before being deep-fried to create a crispy exterior. They're often served as a side dish or snack and offer a healthier alternative to traditional potato fries. Green bean fries are easy to make at home, and you can experiment with different seasonings and coatings to suit your taste preferences. Green bean fries can be enjoyed as a stand-alone snack, or they can be paired with other foods, such as a dip or a salad.

Calories in Green Bean Fries

As mentioned earlier, a serving of 8 pieces (69 g) of green bean fries contains only 140 calories. This makes them a healthier alternative to traditional potato fries, which often contain over 300 calories per serving. By choosing green bean fries over potato fries, you can reduce your calorie intake, which can support weight management and improve your overall health. However, it's important to note that the calories in green bean fries can vary depending on how they're prepared. For example, if you coat them in a high-fat batter or dip them in a high-calorie sauce, the calorie count will increase significantly.

Nutritional Value of Green Bean Fries

Green bean fries offer a range of vital nutrients that can benefit your overall health. For example, a serving of green bean fries contains 4 grams of fiber, which can support digestive health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Green bean fries are also an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. Vitamin C supports immune function, while vitamin K supports bone health. Folate is essential for red blood cell formation and can reduce the risk of birth defects during pregnancy. Additionally, green bean fries are low in fat and sodium, which can support heart health and reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke.

Health Benefits of Green Bean Fries

Green bean fries offer several health benefits, including improved digestion, reduced inflammation, and improved heart health. As previously mentioned, green bean fries are an excellent source of fiber, which can support digestive health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and type 2 diabetes. Additionally, the vitamin K in green bean fries has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce inflammation throughout the body. Moreover, the low-fat and low-sodium content of green bean fries can improve heart health by reducing the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

How to Make Green Bean Fries

Making green bean fries is a simple and easy process that requires only a few ingredients. First, preheat your oven to 425°F. Then, rinse and trim your green beans, toss them in olive oil and your preferred seasoning or breadcrumbs, and lay them out on a baking sheet. Pop them in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they're crispy and golden brown. Serve with your preferred sauce or dip. You can experiment with different coatings and seasoning to create a variety of flavor profiles. For example, you can use parmesan cheese or a spicy seasoning mix to add extra flavor. If you want to make green bean fries but don't have access to an oven, you can also deep-fry them, following the same coating process as the oven-baked recipe.

Serving Suggestions for Green Bean Fries

Green bean fries can be enjoyed as a standalone snack or paired with other foods for a more substantial meal. They're often served as a side dish or appetizer alongside a dip or sauce, such as ranch dressing or garlic aioli. You can also use green bean fries as a healthier alternative in other dishes, such as replacing traditional fries in a burger or sandwich. They add a crispy and delicious texture to any meal. If you're looking for a more substantial meal, you can pair green bean fries with a salad or grilled protein source, such as chicken or fish.

Precautions for Consuming Green Bean Fries

While green bean fries are a healthier alternative to traditional potato fries, it's essential to enjoy them in moderation. They're still a fried food, which means that they can be high in calories, fat, and sodium if they're not prepared properly. Additionally, if you have a green bean allergy or sensitivity, you should avoid consuming green bean fries. Always read the ingredient list carefully to ensure that you're not allergic to any of the components. Green bean fries are a delicious and healthy snack option, but they're not a substitute for a balanced and varied diet.

Where to Buy Green Bean Fries

Green bean fries can be purchased from most grocery stores, health stores, and online retailers. Look for frozen or fresh green bean fries in the frozen food or vegetable section at your local grocery store. You can also make green bean fries at home using fresh green beans and your preferred coating and seasoning. If you're looking for a healthier alternative to traditional potato fries, try green bean fries today!

Alternatives to Green Bean Fries

If you're looking for alternative healthy snack and side dish options, consider baked sweet potato fries, edamame, roasted chickpeas, or air-fried zucchini fries. These options are all low in calories and offer a range of vital nutrients to support your health and wellness goals. You can experiment with different flavors and seasonings to create a variety of delicious snack options. Remember to consume these snacks in moderation and pair them with a balanced and varied diet for optimal health benefits.

Conclusion

Green bean fries are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional potato fries. They offer a lower calorie count, a range of vital nutrients, and several health benefits. You can enjoy them as a standalone snack or paired with other foods for a more substantial meal. Making green bean fries at home is easy and customizable, so you can experiment with different coatings and seasonings to create your perfect flavor profile. If you're looking for a healthier alternative to traditional fries, be sure to try green bean fries today!