Delight in the fresh, vibrant flavors of Green Beans with Cottage Cheese (Túrós Zöldbab) — a light yet hearty Hungarian vegetable dish that beautifully combines tender green beans with creamy cottage cheese, rich sour cream, and fragrant dill.
This easy, protein-packed recipe brings together simple, wholesome ingredients for a satisfying vegetarian main or a nutritious side that’s perfect for busy weeknights, refreshing summer dinners, or elegant brunches.
Bursting with classic Hungarian flavors, it’s a delicious way to celebrate seasonal produce while adding a healthy, comforting dish to your table.
⦁ 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) green beans, trimmed
⦁ 200 g (7 oz) low-fat cottage cheese
⦁ 200 ml (6¾ fl. oz) sour cream
⦁ 2 tbsp butter
⦁ 1 bunch fresh dill, chopped
⦁ ½ tsp salt
⦁ Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1. Cook green beans in boiling salted water 95–100°C (203–212°F) until tender but still crisp, about 8–10 minutes. Drain well.
2. Melt butter in a large pan over medium heat (160–175°C / 320–350°F). Add green beans and toss to coat.
3. Stir in cottage cheese, sour cream, dill, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring gently, until heated through and creamy. Serve immediately.
🛒 Choosing Ingredients
✔ Green Beans – Use fresh, firm beans; trim ends and snap into even lengths for easier cooking and serving
✔ Cottage Cheese – Full-fat or low-fat cottage cheese both work; drain excess liquid for a creamier finish
✔ Sour Cream – Full-fat sour cream gives a richer, silkier texture
✔ Fresh Dill – Freshly chopped dill adds authentic Hungarian flavor; don’t substitute with dried dill
👩🍳 Preparation Tips
✔ Boiling Beans – Cook green beans in salted water at 95–100°C (203–212°F) for 8–10 minutes until tender-crisp
✔ Ice Bath Option – For vibrant green color, plunge beans into ice water after boiling, then drain thoroughly
✔ Sauté Evenly – Toss green beans in butter over medium heat (160–175°C / 320–350°F) so they absorb flavor without overcooking
✔ Combine Gently – Stir in cottage cheese and sour cream carefully to avoid breaking beans and maintain a creamy texture
🔥 Cooking Techniques & Temperatures
✔ Final Heating – After adding cottage cheese and sour cream, cook over medium-low heat (140–160°C / 285–320°F) for 2–3 minutes until creamy and heated through
✔ Avoid Overheating – Don’t boil once dairy is added; it can separate and curdle
🍽 Serving & Storage
✔ Serve Fresh – Best served hot immediately after cooking for peak flavor and texture
✔ Garnish Ideas – Sprinkle extra fresh dill or a squeeze of lemon for brightness
✔ Make Ahead – Boil beans and refrigerate up to 1 day; reheat gently with butter before finishing with cottage cheese and sour cream
✔ Leftovers – Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently over low heat