5 from 27 votes
Green Beans with Balsamic Date Reduction, Feta and Pine Nuts
This recipe sautés young, thin green beans to a tender-crisp texture, then tops them with crumbled feta and toasted pine nuts. A sweet and tangy balsamic date reduction drizzled on top brings a rich complexity. The dish balances fresh vegetable crunch with savory, nutty, and slightly sweet flavors, making it a refined side dish.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
35 mins
Servings:
10
servings
Calories:
106 kcal
Course:
Side Dish
Cuisine:
Mediterranean
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.
Cup of Yum
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
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%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 10 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 106
% 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.