Are you tired of boring, bland vegetable sides that put everyone to sleep? Get ready to transform your meal with these mouthwatering Green Beans with Walnuts and Balsamic - a simple yet stunning dish that will have your family and guests begging for seconds! This recipe combines the crisp freshness of perfectly cooked green beans, the rich crunch of toasted walnuts, and a tantalizing balsamic glaze that elevates this humble vegetable into a gourmet experience.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the fresh green beans thoroughly under cool running water, then trim off the tough ends using a sharp knife.
- 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 green beans to the boiling water and blanch for approximately 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and crisp-tender.
- While the beans are cooking, prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with cold water and ice cubes.
- Once the beans are cooked, immediately drain them and transfer to the ice bath to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant green color and crisp texture.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped walnuts and toast them for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Drain the green beans from the ice bath and pat them dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels.
- Add the green beans to the skillet with toasted walnuts and toss gently to combine.
- Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the beans and walnuts, stirring to coat evenly.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Transfer to a serving dish and serve immediately while warm.
Tips
- Always choose fresh, firm green beans with a bright green color and no blemishes.
- The ice bath is crucial - it stops the cooking process and maintains that vibrant green color and crisp texture.
- Toast the walnuts carefully to enhance their nutty flavor without burning them.
- Use high-quality balsamic vinegar for the best flavor impact.
- Don't overcook the beans - they should remain crisp-tender and maintain their beautiful green color.
- Season gradually and taste as you go to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
- Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the optimal texture and temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
