Imagine a side dish that's not just a boring vegetable, but a burst of tantalizing flavors that will make your taste buds dance! Our Flat Beans in Honey and Orange Sauce is the unexpected culinary hero your meals have been craving. With a perfect balance of sweet, citrusy, and savory notes, this recipe transforms ordinary flat beans into a gourmet experience that will have your family and guests begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound flat beans
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the flat beans. Rinse them under cold water to remove any dirt or impurities. Trim the ends of each bean using a sharp knife, discarding any tough or fibrous parts. If the beans are particularly long, you may choose to cut them in half for easier handling.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the prepared flat beans to the pot. Blanch the beans for about 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender but still crisp.
- After blanching, immediately drain the beans in a colander and transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let them sit for a few minutes, then drain again and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the blanched flat beans and sauté them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through and slightly caramelized.
- While the beans are sautéing, prepare the honey and orange sauce. In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey and orange juice until well combined.
- Pour the honey and orange mixture over the sautéed flat beans in the saucepan. Stir gently to coat the beans evenly with the sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly and the beans are well-glazed.
- Taste the dish and add salt as needed to enhance the flavors. Stir well to combine.
- Once the beans are coated and the sauce has reached your desired consistency, remove the saucepan from the heat. Transfer the flat beans to a serving platter, making sure to drizzle any remaining sauce over the top.
- Serve the flat beans warm as a side dish, garnished with additional orange zest or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious Flat Beans in Honey and Orange Sauce!
Tips
- Choose fresh, crisp flat beans for the best texture and flavor. Look for beans that are bright green and free from blemishes.
- Don't overcook the beans during blanching - the key is to keep them bright green and slightly crisp. The 3-4 minute blanching time is crucial for maintaining their perfect texture.
- The ice water bath after blanching is essential to stop the cooking process and preserve the beans' vibrant color and crispness.
- When sautéing, use medium heat to allow the beans to caramelize slightly without burning.
- Whisk the honey and orange juice thoroughly to ensure a smooth, well-integrated sauce that coats the beans evenly.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving - a pinch of salt can really enhance the sweet and tangy flavors.
- For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with fresh orange zest or chopped herbs like parsley or thyme just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 123kcal
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
