Prepare to transform your ordinary side dish into a culinary masterpiece that will have your dinner guests begging for seconds! This vibrant Mediterranean-inspired green bean recipe is not just a simple vegetable side, but a flavor explosion that combines the crisp freshness of green beans, the juicy sweetness of cherry tomatoes, and the aromatic punch of garlic. In just 20 minutes, you'll create a dish that's not only incredibly delicious but also packed with nutrition and bursting with colors that will make your plate look like a work of art.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the green beans thoroughly under cold running water, then trim off the tough ends by snapping or cutting them.
- Prepare the cherry tomatoes by washing them and carefully cutting each tomato in half lengthwise.
- Peel and mince the garlic cloves finely, ensuring the pieces are uniform in size for even flavor distribution.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering but not smoking.
- Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and sauté for about 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release the aromatic flavors.
- Add the trimmed green beans to the skillet, tossing them in the garlic-infused oil to coat evenly.
- Cook the green beans for approximately 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become bright green and start to become tender but still maintain a crisp texture.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Season the vegetables with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, gently stirring to distribute the seasoning.
- Remove the skillet from heat when the green beans are tender-crisp and the tomatoes are slightly softened but still holding their shape.
- Transfer the green beans with tomatoes to a serving dish, ensuring you scrape all the garlic and olive oil from the pan.
- Serve immediately while the dish is hot, allowing the flavors of garlic, olive oil, and vegetables to be enjoyed at their peak.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select bright green, firm beans and ripe, plump cherry tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
- Don't Overcook: The key to perfect green beans is maintaining their crisp-tender texture. Watch them closely and remove from heat when they're bright green and just tender.
- Use High-Quality Olive Oil: Since this recipe has few ingredients, using a good extra virgin olive oil will significantly enhance the overall taste.
- Uniform Garlic Chopping: Mince garlic finely and evenly to ensure consistent flavor distribution and prevent burning.
- High Heat, Quick Cooking: Use medium-high heat to quickly sauté the beans and tomatoes, preserving their vibrant color and nutrients.
- Season Gradually: Add salt and pepper in stages, tasting as you go to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot, straight from the pan, to maximize the aromatic garlic and preserve the vegetables' texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 70kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
