A timeless comfort dish—only three ingredients. I make this when I’m craving something hearty yet effortless

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Yes. That’s the true beauty of it. When you strip it down to its essence, it becomes something pure, meditative, and deeply satisfying.

Here is a celebration of that three-ingredient masterpiece:

The Trinity: A Ritual of Simplicity

This isn’t really a recipe with steps; it’s a method, a feeling.

The Ingredients:

  1. Potatoes: The earthy, starchy heart. Yukon Gold are perfect for their buttery texture.
  2. Green Beans: The fresh, slightly sweet contrast. Their quiet crunch is everything.
  3. Onion: The savory, aromatic soul that ties it all together.

The Way:

  1. Choose Your Vessel: A heavy pot or a deep skillet with a lid is your best friend here.
  2. The Foundation: Chop your onion. Let it sweat in a generous glug of olive oil (or a knob of butter, if you’re feeling indulgent) over medium heat until it’s soft and translucent. This is where the flavor starts.
  3. The Heart: Add your chopped potatoes. Stir them around so they get friendly with the onion and oil. Let them sit for a minute to get a little color.
  4. The Simmer: Pile the green beans on top. Pour in just enough water or broth to come about a third of the way up the vegetables—you’re steaming more than boiling. Season well with salt and a generous amount of black pepper.
  5. The Wait: Cover with the lid. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Walk away. Let it be. The steam will work its magic, tenderizing the beans and cooking the potatoes through. It usually takes 15-20 minutes.
  6. The Finish: Remove the lid. If there’s any liquid left, let it bubble away until the dish is just moist, not soupy. Taste. Adjust with more salt if needed.

That’s it. You’ve created a meal.

Why This Simple Trio Feels So Right

· Texture Harmony: The soft, pillowy potatoes against the yielding-but-still-present green beans.
· Flavor Foundation: You have earthiness (potatoes), sweetness (onions and beans), and savory depth (the fond from the sautéed onions).
· A Blank Canvas: This trio is a peaceful baseline. It welcomes a fried egg on top, a shake of hot sauce, a sprinkle of Parmesan, or nothing at all. It asks for nothing and gives everything.

It’s the culinary equivalent of a deep, calming breath. Perfect.

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