Quick and Easy Balsamic Green Beans
User Reviews
5
Quick and Easy Balsamic Green Beans
Description
This recipe starts with fresh, trimmed green beans that are steamed in a skillet with water or boiled in salted water until tender yet retaining a slight crunch and vibrant green color. After cooking, the green beans are drained and combined with a dressing made from balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, and onion powder. The dressing imparts a sweet and tangy glaze with subtle savory notes enhanced by garlic and onion.
The result is green beans with a crisp-tender texture and a glossy coating that balances sweetness and acidity. Optionally, butter can be melted in to add richness and smoothness. Seasoning with salt and black pepper rounds out the flavors, making the dish bright and flavorful without overwhelming the natural freshness of the beans.
Serving these balsamic green beans warm preserves their crispness and vibrant color. They provide a flavorful vegetable side that complements varied main courses. Using fresh beans and good-quality balsamic vinegar is key to achieving the intended taste and texture.
Care in cooking time prevents over-softening and helps maintain the desired crunchy bite. Adjust seasonings to taste before serving.
Ingredients
- 3-4 cups green beans fresh, trimmed, cut
- 3 tblsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tblsp honey
- 1 tblsp onion powder
- 1 tblsp garlic minced
- 3 tblsp olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter optional
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Wash your green beans, trim the ends with either a sharp knife or scissors, and allow the beans to dry.
Steaming
- In my opinion, the easiest and fastest way to cook green beans is steamed, in a skillet with a lid on your stovetop. You don't need a fancy steamer or double boiler.
- Get out your skillet and place it over medium high heat. Add about ⅔ cup of water and ½ teaspoon salt to your skillet. Once water is boiling add your prepared beans.
- Your beans will not be submerged in water, they will steam while the lid is on so don't remove it for at least four minutes. Your beans will be bright green and tender.
- Drain your beans in a colander in your sink.
Boiling
- In a medium to large sized pot boil approximately 4 cups of water with 1 tablespoon of salt. Once water is boiling, carefully add your prepared green beans. Cook until beans are bright green and starting to become tender, about 4 minutes.
Making the Balsamic Green Beans
- While your beans are draining in the colander inside your sink, wipe your skillet dry with paper towel if you used it to steam your green beans. If you didn't just use it there is no need for paper towel!
- Turn your heat to medium, add olive oil (and butter if desired) and wait until it shimmers or a drop of water flicked in it dances.
- Add green beans to the large saucepan with the oil in it. Cover, and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add garlic and stir for another 30 seconds to a minute. You will be able to smell the garlic.
- Add vinegar, honey, onion powder, salt and pepper. Reduce heat to medium low. Stir regularly for a couple more minutes.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Choose fresh green beans that are bright green and firm, avoiding any with spots or wrinkles for best texture and flavor.
- Select quality balsamic vinegar to impart a rich tangy-sweetness to the dish.
- Do not overcook the beans; a tender-crisp texture preserves their natural snap and color.
- Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and vinegar for a balanced flavor before serving.
- Serve immediately after cooking to keep the beans crisp and colorful.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 188 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 188kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 15g | 5% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 8mg | 3% |
| Sodium | 324mg | 14% |
| Potassium | 244mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 658IU | 13% |
| Vitamin C | 12mg | 13% |
| Calcium | 57mg | 6% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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