When it comes to making vegetables, I'm always on the lookout for fun, creative ways to prepare old favorites like green beans. There's always the roasting route (which I love), or the slow cook for hours and add bacon route (not bad either), but sometimes you just want something a little different. Enter these "dressed up" green beans. Luckily, the "dressing up" uses simple ingredients and can absolutely be done on a weekend for company or a weeknight for extra flavor. It's quick, easy and sure to please.
Recipe: Dressed Up Green Beans
Adapted from The New Southern Garden Cookbook by Sheri Castle
Ingredients:
- Fresh green beans with the ends snapped, blanched
- 3 Tbs. butter
- 1/4 c. chopped pecans
- 4-5 strips of bacon, cooked (optional - if you don't have time, omit the bacon)
- 2 Tbs. chopped parsley
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
To prepare beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the beans and cook until just tender (5-7 minutes.) While the beans cook, fill a large bowl with ice water. After the beans are done cooking, drain beans and immediately transfer to the bowl of ice water. (This preserves color and stops the cooking. It's how you get that fresh taste and bright green color!)
To finish beans: Melt butter in a large saucepan. Add pecans and cook until they are crisp (about 3 minutes.) Add bacon and beans and toss to mix until heated throughout (about 3 minutes.) Gently stir in the lemon zest and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
Enjoy!
xo,
These look delicious!
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