Elevate your dinner table with a burst of color and flavor by trying our delightful "Orange Scented Green Beans with Toasted Almonds." This vibrant American dish combines the crispness of fresh green beans with the zesty brightness of orange and the nutty crunch of toasted almonds, making it a perfect side for any meal. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up this gourmet dish that’s not only easy to prepare but also sure to impress your guests. Ready to make your taste buds dance? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Zest of 1 orange
- Juice of 1 orange
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the green beans by washing them thoroughly under cold running water. Trim off the tough ends of the beans using a sharp knife, cutting about 1/4 inch from each end.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water to enhance the beans' flavor.
- Carefully add the prepared green beans to the boiling water and blanch for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and crisp-tender. Avoid overcooking to maintain their vibrant color and texture.
- While the beans are blanching, prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with cold water and ice cubes. This will help stop the cooking process and preserve the beans' crisp texture.
- Once the beans are blanched, immediately drain them and transfer to the ice bath. Let them sit for 1-2 minutes to cool completely, then drain again and pat dry with clean kitchen towels.
- In a large skillet, toast the sliced almonds over medium heat, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes until they become golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the blanched green beans and sauté for 2-3 minutes to warm them through.
- Zest the entire orange directly over the green beans, then squeeze the orange juice into the skillet.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Gently toss the beans to coat evenly with the orange zest and juice.
- Transfer the green beans to a serving platter and sprinkle the toasted almonds over the top.
- Serve immediately while warm, garnishing with additional orange zest if desired.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Beans: Opt for bright green, firm green beans for the best flavor and texture. Avoid any that appear wilted or have brown spots.
- Perfect Blanching: Keep a close eye while blanching the green beans. They should be bright green and crisp-tender, so set a timer to avoid overcooking.
- Ice Bath is Key: Don’t skip the ice bath! It halts the cooking process and locks in that vibrant green color and crunchy texture.
- Toast Almonds Carefully: When toasting almonds, stir them constantly to prevent burning. They can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in seconds!
- Zest with Care: Use a microplane or fine grater to zest the orange, ensuring you only take the bright outer layer and not the bitter white pith underneath.
- Season to Taste: Adjust the salt and pepper to your preference. A little extra seasoning can enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Serve Fresh: For the best experience, serve the green beans immediately after cooking while they are warm and vibrant.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 115kcal
Carbohydrates: 9g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
