To me, Thanksgiving dinner isn’t complete without a Green Bean Casserole. Growing up, green bean casserole was my favorite part of the meal – you know, the old fashioned Campbell’s Casserole made with Cream of Mushroom Soup and French’s Fried Onions.
The problem is that Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom soup has MSG and all kinds of unsavory additives, stabilizers, and fake junk inside. It was a sad day for me when I found this out. How was I supposed to have Thanksgiving without my beloved, savory Green Bean Casserole? Over the years, I’ve tried to come up with solutions and have finally mastered a perfect all-natural version. Well, a perfect Vegan version because although I do eat limited dairy products, I try to avoid them and substitute whenever possible.
The mushrooms and sweet onion combine with the Portobello mushroom soup to create a delicious, creamy sauce with just the right kick. The natural French Fried Onions are a must, there is just enough to give the casserole the right crunch and texture but not overwhelm the taste. An added plus is that this is vegan and pretty low on points without sacrificing any of the comfort-food-holiday-flavor we have all come to love and crave!
NOTES:
- This recipe isn’t really difficult, the only element that is time-consuming is the preparation of the string beans. DO NOT SKIP THIS or try a shortcut. Cutting the beans in this way allows them to get just the right texture and makes this a casserole, not a dish of green beans with sauce around it. Trust me, as much as this is a pain in the arse, it is worth it!
- A must-have is Imagine’s Natural Creamy Portobello Mushroom Soup. I purchased it at Whole Foods but have also seen it at Fred Meyer, Safeway, Wegman’s and in other grocery store’s natural food sections. Unfortunately, I haven’t seen it at Trader Joe’s. This Vegan Portobello Mushroom Soup is used as the base for the sauce.
- French Fried Onions – So many stores now carry decent quality French Fried Onions. Kroger has a gluten-free, organic option for just a few dollars and it’s made with minimal ingredients. If gluten isn’t an issue, I would go with Trader Joe’s French Fried Onions. TIP: they are a seasonal product and usually sell out pretty quickly so get them as soon as you see them in the store (usually late September or early October!)
- TIP: To save time, prep your onion, garlic, mushrooms, and green beans the night before or early in the morning.
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Vegan Green Bean Casserole
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 8 ounces crimini mushrooms stems removed, quartered, and finely chopped
- 1 large sweet onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1 pound green beans cleaned, trimmed, cut into 2" pieces and cut lengthwise
- 2 teaspoons tamari or 3 tsp coconut aminos
- 1 cup Imagine Creamy Portobello Mushroom Soup
- 2 Tablespoons flour either whole wheat or AP gluten-free flour
- 1/2 cup plain coconut creamer OR soy creamer OR half and half if not vegan
- 4 ounces gluten-free French Fried Onions such as Simple Truth Organic Crispy Gluten Free French Fried Onions, divided in half
- Non-stick cooking spray
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Clean mushrooms, remove stems, and quarter. Peel garlic and onion, and quarter onion.
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Place onion and garlic in food processor.
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Pulse until finely chopped but not watery. Remove from food processor and set aside.
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Place mushrooms in processor.
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Process until finely chopped.
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Clean string beans and trim ends. Cut into 2" pieces and then slice lengthwise along the seam.
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Measure out salt and pepper into a small dish.
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Now, measure Portobello soup and soy sauce.
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Next, measure whole wheat flour and soy creamer.
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Finally, divide the Fried Onions in half, reserving 2 ounces for the topping.
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Preheat oven to 400F. Heat large 12" skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and then onion, garlic, crimini mushrooms, salt and pepper.
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Cook 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onion is translucent and liquid is released from onions and mushrooms.
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Add string beans, tamari, and mushroom soup. Cook another 3 to 4 minutes.
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Slowly whisk flour and soy creamer together in a small bowl.
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Pour into green bean mixture, lower light to medium-low and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes to thicken.
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Coat 3-Quart casserole (think lasagna pan) with non-stick cooking spray and transfer green bean mixture to dish.
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Add in 2 ounces of the French Fried Onions. Mix well and bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
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After 30 minutes, stir and top with remaining 2 ounces of French Fried Onions. Bake for an additional 5 minutes.
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Let cool for at least 10 minutes and serve. Enjoy!
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Hello gorgeous ♥ Just thought I’d leave a massage to let you know I’ve loved this amazing recipe and I’ve included it in my 50 Epic Vegan Christmas recipes’ roundup:
http://sevenroses.net/2015/12/50-epic-vegan-christmas-recipes/
Thank you & happy holidays! =)
Do you think that unsweetened coconut milk (in the carton) would work instead of soy creamer for his recipe? Or perhaps canned full fat coconut milk? I just did my Thanksgiving shopping and forgot the soy creamer!
Hi Jane! I do think that unsweetened coconut milk will work – you may need just a touch more seasoning to balance the mild coconut taste so be sure to taste and adjust after adding it. Happy Thanksgiving! 🙂
This is a favorite for me on Thanksgiving too! Your vegan version sounds great and is so much healthier than the traditional recipe!
Thanks Faith!
Mouth. Watering. Right. NOW!
I just finished the last of the leftovers – now I need to wait another week to have some more!
OMG the stuffing!! How could I forget the stuffing?! Yes that too! Oh how I love the side dishes, somehow the green bean casserole seemed less “bad” than the other 2. I’ll be checking out the sweet potato for sure….:)
Me too! I would pretty much eat that and the candied yams! And then usually finish off what was left of the green bean casserole for breakfast! The heck with the bird! I can’t wait to try it!!!
Ha! I would eat all the green bean casserole and the stuffing! I am posting a recipe tomorrow for a Sweet Potato Casserole that is great. Does have some sugar though so it might not be your thing but much healthier than most out there without losing the taste 🙂
I can’t believe you posted this! I’ve spent the last 2 evenings searching for a healthier alternative to the old fashioned unhealthy one! Yay cuz!!!! xo
Right? I used to live for this stuff. Amy this version is so delicious!! You are going to love it 🙂