Swiss Bean

Swiss Beans refer to a type of green beans, popularly eaten in Switzerland. These beans resemble to French beans in appearance and are an integral part of the Swiss food culture. The Swiss use green string beans for various culinary purposes. The green string beans are added to the salad, soups, and casseroles and are also used in the preparation of many comfort foods enjoyed throughout Switzerland. The green beans along with cheese, sour cream and butter goes on to make great combination which is repeated in many of the typical Swiss dishes.

 

Origin of Swiss Beans  
It is not clear as to when the green string beans began to be cultivated in Switzerland, but, as per the popular belief, the beans were introduced to Switzerland in the 18th century by the Portuguese and Spanish traders. The Swiss cuisine bears strong resemblance to German, Italian and French styles of cooking. Green string beans are an integral part of these cuisines and the same was adopted by Swiss too who incorporated them in a large number of recipes.

 

Swiss Beans Recipes: Ingredients And Method of Preparation
 

  • Swiss Green Bean Casserole: This is a popular holiday food in Switzerland. This dish is prepared by combining the stringed Swiss green bean with flour, butter, sugar, onion, sour cream, salt, black pepper, and Swiss cheese. The ingredients are combined together and cooked in the oven and served hot.

 

  • Swiss Green Bean Salad: This salad is adapted from The Enchanged Broccoli Forest recipe. This salad can be prepared a day in advance and for best results, is allowed to marinate over the night. The lemon juice or vinegar is added to the salad for extra flavor. They are only added during the serving time to avoid the beans from losing their luster. Other than green string beans, garlic, tarragon, extra virgin olive oil, salt, dill, freshly ground black pepper, parsley, Dijon mustard, ripe olives, gruyere cheese, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, red wine vinegar, lemon juice and toasted almonds are required for the preparation of this salad. The beans are first steamed and cooked until tender. Then they are combined with all other ingredients except vinegar or lemon juice. This salad involving Swiss Beans and can be served at room temperature or chilled with a topping of almonds.