Zesty Lemon-Dijon Green Beans
Elevate your green bean game with this vibrant Zesty Lemon-Dijon Green Beans recipe. This dish combines the crunch of fresh or frozen green beans with a tangy sauce made from zesty lemon juice and bold coarse grain mustard. The creamy margarine adds a richness that beautifully balances the acidity of the lemon, making it a perfect complement to any meal. Whether served as a side dish for festive Thanksgiving gatherings or as a quick weeknight vegetable, these green beans are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, this recipe is a must-try for any home cook.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Green beans
1 lb (fresh or frozen, trimmed)
Margarine
2 teaspoons (melted)
Lemon juice
1 tablespoon (fresh or frozen)
Coarse grain mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by steaming the green beans until they are barely tender, approximately 5-7 minutes for fresh beans or 4-5 minutes for frozen ones.
2
While the beans are steaming, melt the margarine in a small saucepan over low heat.
3
Once the margarine is fully melted, remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in the fresh or frozen lemon juice along with the coarse grain mustard until well combined.
4
After the beans are steamed, transfer them to a mixing bowl and drizzle the lemon-mustard sauce over the top.
5
Toss the green beans gently to ensure they are evenly coated with the sauce.
6
Serve immediately as a flavorful side dish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Lemon-Dijon Green Beans?
This is a vibrant side dish that combines steamed green beans with a tangy sauce made from lemon juice, coarse grain mustard, and margarine.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
You will need one pound of green beans, two teaspoons of margarine, one tablespoon of lemon juice, and one and a half teaspoons of coarse grain mustard.
Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically states that you can use either fresh or frozen trimmed green beans.
How long should I steam fresh green beans?
Fresh green beans should be steamed for approximately 5 to 7 minutes until they are barely tender.
How long should I steam frozen green beans?
Frozen green beans require a shorter steaming time of about 4 to 5 minutes.
What type of mustard is recommended?
The recipe calls for coarse grain mustard to provide a bold flavor and texture.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, as it uses margarine instead of butter, it is considered vegan-friendly.
How do I prepare the sauce?
Melt the margarine in a small saucepan over low heat, remove from heat, and whisk in the lemon juice and mustard.
Should the lemon juice be fresh?
You can use either fresh or frozen lemon juice according to the recipe instructions.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to steam the green beans until they are barely tender.
How do I combine the sauce and the beans?
Transfer the steamed beans to a mixing bowl, drizzle the sauce over them, and toss gently to coat.
Is this a good dish for Thanksgiving?
Yes, it is tagged as a perfect side dish for festive Thanksgiving gatherings.
How many ingredients does this recipe require?
The recipe is very simple, requiring only 4 ingredients.
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
While the recipe specifies margarine for richness and a vegan-friendly profile, butter could be used as a substitute if dietary preferences allow.
What is the texture of the green beans?
The beans should be cooked until barely tender to maintain a vibrant crunch.
Do I need to trim the green beans?
Yes, the ingredients list specifies that the green beans should be trimmed before cooking.
At what heat should I melt the margarine?
The margarine should be melted over low heat in a small saucepan.
Should the sauce be cooked?
Only the margarine is melted; the lemon juice and mustard are whisked in after removing the pan from the heat.
Can this be considered a quick recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick recipe and easy cooking, taking only a few minutes to steam and assemble.
What flavor profile does the lemon provide?
The lemon juice provides a zesty acidity that balances the richness of the margarine.
How much mustard should I use?
The recipe calls for 1.5 teaspoons of coarse grain mustard.
Should I serve this dish hot?
Yes, the instructions recommend serving the green beans immediately after tossing them in the sauce.
Is there any salt or pepper in the base recipe?
The provided ingredient list does not include salt or pepper, though they can be added to taste.
What category does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as a vegetable side dish.
How much margarine is used?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of margarine.
What is the purpose of the margarine?
The margarine adds a richness that helps balance the acidity of the lemon and mustard.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy side dish featuring fresh vegetables and light ingredients.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the quantities if serving a larger group or for a holiday meal.
What if I don't have coarse grain mustard?
While coarse grain is recommended for its bold flavor, you could use a standard Dijon mustard for a smoother texture.
How much lemon juice is needed?
The recipe requires one tablespoon of lemon juice.