Get ready to transform the humble green bean into a show-stopping side dish that will have your dinner guests begging for seconds! This isn't just another vegetable recipe - it's a flavor explosion that combines crisp, vibrant green beans with toasty walnuts and fragrant fresh herbs. In just 15 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy side dish that's both elegant and incredibly easy to prepare. Prepare to elevate your cooking game and turn ordinary green beans into an extraordinary culinary experience!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (basil, thyme, or dill), chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash green beans thoroughly under cool running water, then trim the ends using a sharp knife to remove any tough or discolored parts.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water to enhance the beans' flavor.
- Carefully add the trimmed green beans to the boiling water and blanch for approximately 3-4 minutes until they become bright green and crisp-tender.
- While beans are cooking, prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with cold water and ice cubes to immediately stop the cooking process.
- Using tongs or a slotted spoon, transfer the blanched green beans from the boiling water directly into the ice bath to preserve their vibrant color and crisp texture.
- Toast the chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning, until they become fragrant and lightly golden.
- Drain the green beans completely and pat dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the dried green beans and sauté for 2-3 minutes to warm through and slightly caramelize.
- Sprinkle toasted walnuts and freshly chopped herbs over the green beans, tossing gently to combine.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, ensuring even distribution of herbs and seasonings.
- Transfer to a serving platter and serve immediately while still warm, garnishing with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Choose fresh, crisp green beans with a bright green color and no blemishes for the best results.
- Don't skip the ice bath - it's crucial for maintaining that gorgeous green color and crisp texture.
- Toast the walnuts carefully; they can burn quickly, so keep a close eye and stir constantly.
- Pat the beans completely dry before sautéing to ensure they caramelize nicely instead of steaming.
- Experiment with different fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or dill to customize the flavor profile.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a small minced garlic clove during the sautéing process.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture - these green beans are at their peak right after cooking.
- Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 170kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
