Savory Harvest Green Beans with Spiced Pecans
This delightful Savory Harvest Green Beans recipe, inspired by a classic from the Penzey's Spice Catalogue, offers a fresh and flavorful alternative to traditional green bean casseroles. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any gathering, this dish brings together the vibrant crunch of fresh green beans and the rich, nutty flavor of toasted pecans, all enhanced by a blend of aromatic spices. Sweetened with honey or agave nectar for a vegan-friendly option, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and break the monotony of holiday fare. Elevate your table with this colorful and nutritious dish that celebrates the bounty of the harvest season.
8
Servings
68
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh green beans
1 lb (washed and trimmed)
Pecans
1/2 cup (whole)
Olive oil or Earth Balance margarine
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
Sesame seeds
2 teaspoons (for toasting)
Sodium-free seasoning (Penzey's Mural of Flavor)
2 teaspoons (for flavoring)
Honey or agave nectar
2 teaspoons (for sweetening)
Instructions
1
Prepare the green beans by washing them thoroughly and trimming off the stem ends. You can do this step a day in advance to save time.
2
In a large pot, bring at least 2 quarts of water to a rolling boil.
3
While waiting for the water to boil, add olive oil or Earth Balance margarine to a medium sauté pan over low heat. Once melted, add the pecans and slowly simmer them until they are lightly browned and fragrant.
4
To the toasted pecans, add the sesame seeds and the Mural of Flavor seasoning, stirring to combine and allowing the spices to bloom in the heat.
5
Once the water is boiling, carefully add the prepared green beans and blanch them for 2 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender.
6
Drain the green beans and rinse them under cold water to halt the cooking process, whilst keeping them warm.
7
Drizzle the honey (or agave nectar for a vegan option) over the pecan mixture in the pan, stirring frequently to ensure an even coating.
8
Add the warm green beans to the sauté pan with the pecan mixture. Gently toss everything together to ensure the beans are well coated in the seasoned pecan and spice mixture.
9
Transfer the green bean mixture to a serving bowl and cover it with foil to keep warm until ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
5.25g
Fat
3.5g
Carbs
1g
Protein
0.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Harvest Green Beans with Spiced Pecans recipe?
It is a fresh and flavorful alternative to traditional green bean casseroles, featuring fresh green beans and toasted pecans enhanced with aromatic spices.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe provides 8 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 68 calories.
Is this green bean recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, it can be made vegan by using Earth Balance margarine instead of butter and agave nectar instead of honey.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients are fresh green beans, pecans, olive oil or margarine, sesame seeds, sodium-free seasoning, and honey or agave.
How should the green beans be prepared?
The beans should be washed thoroughly and the stem ends trimmed before cooking.
How long should I blanch the green beans?
Blanch the beans in boiling water for 2 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender.
What is the purpose of rinsing the beans in cold water?
Rinsing them under cold water halts the cooking process so they do not become overcooked.
What specific seasoning is recommended?
The recipe specifically recommends Penzey's Mural of Flavor, which is a sodium-free seasoning.
How do I toast the pecans for this dish?
Simmer the pecans in oil or margarine over low heat until they are lightly browned and fragrant.
When do I add the sesame seeds?
Add the sesame seeds to the pan once the pecans are toasted, allowing them to combine with the spices.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is 5.25g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
Each serving contains 3.5g of carbohydrates.
Does this dish contain protein?
Yes, there is 1g of protein per serving.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe contains 0.5g of sugar per serving.
Can I prepare any part of this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can wash and trim the green beans a day in advance to save time.
How much honey or agave is used?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of honey or agave nectar.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 6 total ingredients used in this recipe.
How much water should I use to boil the beans?
Use at least 2 quarts of water brought to a rolling boil.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include green beans, thanksgiving, vegan, sidedish, and harvest recipe.
What type of oil or fat is used for sauteing?
You can use 2 tablespoons of olive oil or Earth Balance margarine.
How do I keep the dish warm before serving?
Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl and cover it with foil to retain heat.
What is the recommended amount of pecans?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of whole pecans.
What is the preparation method for the sesame seeds?
The sesame seeds are added to the pan for toasting with the pecans and seasoning.
Is this recipe suitable for Thanksgiving?
Yes, it is described as a perfect, colorful, and nutritious dish for Thanksgiving or holiday gatherings.
What is the amount of Mural of Flavor seasoning used?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of the seasoning.
What should the green beans look like after blanching?
They should be bright green and slightly tender.
How are the beans combined with the pecan mixture?
Add the warm beans to the saute pan and gently toss them to ensure an even coating.
Are there any sodium-free options in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically uses a sodium-free seasoning blend.
What is the weight of the fresh green beans needed?
You will need 1 lb of fresh green beans.