Tangy Orange-Infused Green Beans with Cherry Balsamic Glaze
Elevate your vegetable side dish with this vibrant Tangy Orange-Infused Green Beans with Cherry Balsamic Glaze. The combination of fresh green beans and tart dried cherries, paired with a luscious glaze made from an array of citrus juices and aged balsamic vinegar, creates a delightful medley of flavors. The caramelized onions add a sweet depth that perfectly complements the tartness of the cherries, creating a unique and delicious accompaniment to any meal. Ideal for special occasions or a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite at your table. You can swap green beans with brussel sprouts for a delightful twist.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh Green Beans
2 lbs (trimmed)
Butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
Sweet Onion
1 (sliced)
Dried Cherries
4 tablespoons (chopped if large)
Orange
1 (juice and zest of)
Aged Balsamic Vinegar
2 tablespoons (none)
Tangerine-Pomegranate Juice
3 tablespoons (or substitute as indicated)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing your green beans. If using fresh, trim the ends, and if using frozen, ensure they are thawed to room temperature.
2
Next, bring a pot of water to a boil and steam the green beans until they are fork-tender. This typically takes 5 minutes for smaller beans and up to 15 minutes for larger ones. Drain and set aside.
3
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the sliced sweet onion and cook until translucent, stirring occasionally. Raise the heat slightly and continue to cook until the onions are caramelized and golden, approximately 10 minutes.
4
Once the onions are caramelized, stir in the dried cherries, orange zest, orange juice, balsamic vinegar, and tangerine-pomegranate juice or its substitute. Allow the mixture to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has reduced by half and thickened slightly.
5
Just before serving, add the steamed green beans to the skillet. Toss gently to coat the beans evenly with the glaze and heat through for about 2-3 minutes. Serve immediately, garnished with additional orange zest if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Tangy Orange-Infused Green Beans with Cherry Balsamic Glaze?
It is a vibrant vegetable side dish featuring fresh green beans and tart dried cherries tossed in a citrus and balsamic vinegar reduction.
Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
Yes, frozen green beans can be used, but ensure they are thawed to room temperature before steaming.
How should I prepare fresh green beans?
For fresh green beans, simply trim the ends before cooking.
How long do I need to steam the green beans?
Steam them until fork-tender, which usually takes 5 minutes for small beans and up to 15 minutes for larger ones.
What is a good alternative to green beans in this recipe?
Brussels sprouts make an excellent alternative for a delightful twist on this dish.
How do I caramelize the onions?
Melt butter over medium-low heat, add sliced sweet onions, and cook until translucent. Increase heat slightly and cook for about 10 minutes until golden.
What type of onion works best?
A sweet onion is recommended to add a deep, sweet flavor that complements the tart cherries.
What makes the glaze tangy?
The tanginess comes from the combination of orange juice, orange zest, aged balsamic vinegar, and tangerine-pomegranate juice.
What if I don't have tangerine-pomegranate juice?
You can use a suitable substitute like plain pomegranate juice or additional orange juice as indicated.
How much balsamic vinegar is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of aged balsamic vinegar.
Should the dried cherries be chopped?
If the dried cherries are large, it is best to chop them before adding them to the skillet.
How long does it take to reduce the glaze?
Simmer the mixture until the liquid has reduced by half and thickened slightly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients listed, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can I make this dish vegan?
To make it vegan, simply replace the 2 tablespoons of butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute.
When do I add the green beans to the glaze?
Add the steamed green beans to the skillet just before serving to coat them evenly and heat through.
How should the dish be garnished?
Garnish with additional orange zest for extra color and citrus aroma.
How many green beans are required?
The recipe requires 2 lbs of fresh green beans.
Can I use regular balsamic vinegar instead of aged?
Yes, but aged balsamic vinegar is preferred for its thicker consistency and sweeter profile.
What heat should I use for reducing the sauce?
A simmer over medium heat works best to thicken the glaze without burning it.
Is this dish suitable for special occasions?
Yes, the sophisticated flavors of cherry and balsamic make it perfect for holidays and special dinners.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Toasted slivered almonds or pecans would be a great addition for added texture.
How do I ensure the beans stay bright green?
Do not over-steam them, and toss them in the glaze only for the final 2-3 minutes of cooking.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: green beans, butter, onion, dried cherries, orange, balsamic vinegar, and tangerine-pomegranate juice.
Can I serve this dish cold?
While intended to be served hot, it can be served as a cold bean salad if preferred.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What is the best way to reheat this dish?
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to maintain the texture of the glaze.
Is this a healthy side dish?
Yes, it is a vegetable-heavy dish that provides fiber and vitamins from the green beans and citrus.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?
You can, but the flavor profile will change significantly as dried cherries are more concentrated and tart.
Does this recipe contain any sugar?
The recipe does not add refined sugar; the sweetness comes from the onions, cherries, and fruit juices.
Can I prepare the glaze in advance?
Yes, you can caramelize the onions and prepare the reduction ahead of time, then just reheat and toss with fresh beans when ready.