Green Beans with Balsamic Date Reduction, Feta and Pine Nuts
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Total Time
35 mins
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Servings
10 servings
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Calories
106 kcal
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Course
Side Dish
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Cuisine
Mediterranean
Green Beans with Balsamic Date Reduction, Feta and Pine Nuts
Description
Green beans are seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then sautéed until tender but maintaining crispness. The accompanying balsamic date reduction is made by blending soaked pitted dates with water, balsamic vinegar, and salt, then simmering until thick but still pourable. This reduction adds a concentrated sweetness and acidity that contrasts with the salty feta and the crunchy toasted pine nuts.
The combination of textures—the crisp green beans, creamy feta, and nutty pine nuts—works together with the rich vinegar-date glaze to create a sophisticated side dish. For larger, thicker green beans, the recipe suggests steaming before topping and skipping the sauté step to avoid toughness.
This dish requires basic equipment such as a blender, small saucepan, and nonstick skillet, and it suits occasions needing an elegant vegetable preparation.
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans if using larger beans, see note at the end of the recipe, young, thin
- 3/4 cup water warm
- 1/2 cup dates pitted
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/3 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 1/4 cup pine nut or sub toasted sunflower seeds, toasted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- salt
- black pepper
Instructions
- Soak dates in warm water for about 10 minutes to soften. In a blender, combine the dates, water, balsamic vinegar and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth.
- In a small saucepot, bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer on low until sauce is reduced and thickened, stirring frequently. It should be thick, but still easy to drizzle.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the green beans with the olive oil, salt and pepper to taste.
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Pour the olive oil-coated seasoned green beans into the skillet and sauté for 6-8 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
- Toss beans with half of the feta and half of the pine nuts, then transfer to your serving dish. Drizzle with reduction and top with remaining feta and pine nuts.
Notes
- Use young, thin green beans for faster cooking and better flavor.
- If using larger green beans, steam them until tender, season, and then top with feta and pine nuts, skipping the sauté step.
- Needed equipment includes a blender, small saucepan, and large nonstick skillet.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 10servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 106 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 106kcal | 5% |
| Carbohydrates | 11g | 4% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 6g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 4mg | 1% |
| Sodium | 62mg | 3% |
| Potassium | 178mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 335IU | 7% |
| Vitamin C | 5.5mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 48mg | 5% |
| Iron | 0.8mg | 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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