Elegant Nutty Green Beans Delight
This vibrant dish transforms humble green beans into an elegant side that’s perfect for any occasion. Combining the crispness of freshly steamed green beans with the nutty aroma of toasted walnuts or pecans, this recipe creates a harmonious balance of textures and flavors. The light drizzle of balsamic vinegar and olive oil adds a pop of acidity and richness, making it not just a side dish but a delightful centerpiece of your dining experience. Quick to prepare and visually appealing, these Nutty Green Beans will impress your guests and elevate your meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh green beans
1 lb (trimmed)
lite olive oil
3 tablespoons
balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon
walnuts or pecans
4 tablespoons (coarsely chopped and toasted)
lemon wedge
1 (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by bringing an inch of water to a boil in a large non-stick skillet.
2
Once boiling, add the trimmed green beans and cook them uncovered for about 5 minutes, or until they are bright green and still crisp.
3
Carefully drain the beans and transfer them to a serving platter, keeping them warm.
4
In the same skillet, add the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and black pepper, and heat until the mixture starts to sizzle.
5
Stir in the toasted nuts, cooking them briefly to enhance their flavor, about 1-2 minutes.
6
Remove the skillet from heat and drizzle the nut-infused sauce over the warm green beans.
7
Garnish with lemon wedges for a refreshing touch, and serve immediately to enjoy the beautiful array of flavors and textures.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Elegant Nutty Green Beans Delight?
It is a vibrant side dish that combines crisp steamed green beans with the nutty aroma of toasted walnuts or pecans and a balsamic glaze.
What kind of green beans should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of fresh green beans, trimmed for the best texture and flavor.
How long do the green beans need to cook?
The beans should be cooked in boiling water uncovered for about 5 minutes until they are bright green and still crisp.
Which nuts are best for this recipe?
You can use either walnuts or pecans, coarsely chopped and toasted, to provide a savory crunch.
How do I toast the nuts for this dish?
Add the nuts to the skillet with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, cooking them for 1-2 minutes to enhance their flavor.
Is this green bean recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian as it uses plant-based ingredients like green beans, nuts, and olive oil.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, there are no animal products used, making this recipe suitable for a vegan diet.
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
While fresh is recommended for the best texture, you can use frozen beans; just be careful not to overcook them.
What is the purpose of the balsamic vinegar?
Balsamic vinegar adds a light drizzle of acidity and sweetness that balances the richness of the olive oil and nuts.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of lite olive oil.
What can I substitute for lite olive oil?
You can use extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil if lite olive oil is not available.
What should the water level be when boiling the beans?
You should bring approximately one inch of water to a boil in a large non-stick skillet.
How do I prepare the green beans before cooking?
The green beans should be trimmed, which involves removing the tough stem ends.
What garnish is recommended for this dish?
The recipe suggests garnishing with lemon wedges for a refreshing citrus touch.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients listed—green beans, nuts, olive oil, and vinegar—are naturally gluten-free.
How much black pepper should I add?
The recipe specifies 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper to add a subtle hint of spice.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While best served immediately for the crispest texture, you can steam the beans ahead of time and toss with the sauce just before serving.
What type of skillet is best for this recipe?
A large non-stick skillet is ideal for both boiling the beans and preparing the nut-infused sauce.
How do I know when the nuts are finished cooking?
Cook them briefly in the skillet for 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant and are coated in the sauce.
What are the main flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish features a balance of earthy green beans, buttery toasted nuts, and a tangy balsamic finish.
Is this a healthy side dish?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe due to the fresh vegetables and heart-healthy fats from the nuts and olive oil.
Can I add garlic to this recipe?
While not in the original recipe, adding minced garlic to the skillet with the nuts would be a delicious variation.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: fresh green beans, lite olive oil, balsamic vinegar, black pepper, walnuts or pecans, and a lemon wedge.
Should I salt the water when boiling the beans?
The recipe does not specify salt, but you can add a pinch to the boiling water to season the beans from the inside out.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of balsamic?
You can, but it will be more tart and less sweet than balsamic vinegar.
What can I serve with these green beans?
This elegant side dish pairs well with roasted poultry, grilled fish, or vegetarian main courses like risotto.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as 'quick and easy' and involves simple techniques like boiling and brief sautéing.
Can I use almonds instead of walnuts?
Yes, sliced or slivered toasted almonds would provide a similar nutty crunch.
How do I reheat the green beans?
Reheat them briefly in a skillet over medium heat to maintain the crunch of the nuts and beans.