Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when families gather around the table to share not just a meal, but memories and love. And let’s be honest—what’s a Thanksgiving feast without some fantastic side dishes? That’s where my delicious *thanksgiving green beans side dishes* come into play. These vibrant green beans, tossed with garlic and crunchy almonds, are the perfect complement to your turkey and stuffing. I remember as a kid, my grandma would always have a big bowl of her famous green beans on the table, and I’d sneak in for seconds (or thirds!). Trust me, these green beans are not only simple to make but they’ll steal the show. So let’s get cooking and make this Thanksgiving one to remember!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound fresh green beans: Choose vibrant, crisp green beans. Trim the ends and remove any tough strings before cooking.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This will add a lovely richness and help sauté the garlic and green beans perfectly.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives a wonderful aromatic flavor. Don’t skimp on this—it’s key!
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds: These will add a delightful crunch and nutty taste. You can also toast them lightly for even more flavor!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Just a pinch of each will elevate the entire dish, so season according to your preference.
How to Prepare Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans
First things first, let’s get those green beans ready! Grab your fresh green beans and place them on a clean cutting board. You’ll want to trim the ends off—just take a sharp knife and slice off about half an inch from each end. This little step makes a big difference, trust me! If you notice any tough strings along the sides, go ahead and remove those too. Your green beans should look vibrant and inviting, ready for cooking!
Step 2: Blanch the Green Beans
Now, let’s talk blanching! In a large pot, fill it with water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. This step is crucial because blanching helps maintain that gorgeous green color and crisp texture of the beans. Once the water is boiling, toss in your trimmed green beans and let them cook for exactly 3 minutes. After that, you want to drain them right away! Quickly transfer the beans to a bowl filled with ice water—this is your ice bath. It stops the cooking process instantly, keeping them nice and crunchy!
Step 3: Sautéing the Ingredients
Alright, let’s get sizzling! Heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute—just enough time for that heavenly aroma to fill your kitchen. Then, add in your blanched green beans and the sliced almonds. Give everything a good stir and let it sauté for another 5 minutes. You’ll want to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and toasty almonds!
Step 4: Season and Serve
Now for the finishing touch! Once your green beans are beautifully sautéed, season them with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy—this is where you can adjust the flavors to your liking! Serve them warm in a lovely bowl, and if you want to impress your guests, sprinkle a few extra almonds on top for that added crunch. Trust me, this dish will shine on your Thanksgiving table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep, you can whip up this dish in no time!
- Easy cooking: The steps are straightforward, making it perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
- Flavorful results: The combination of garlic and crunchy almonds enhances the natural taste of the green beans.
- Healthy ingredients: Packed with nutrients, this dish is a guilt-free addition to your Thanksgiving spread.
- Impressive presentation: Vibrant green beans with toasted almonds look stunning on any holiday table.
Tips for Success
Want to elevate your green beans even more? Here are my favorite tips! First, feel free to swap out the sliced almonds for other nuts like walnuts or pecans for a different twist. If you’re a fan of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic for a little kick! For a savory depth, try tossing in some cooked bacon bits or shallots along with the garlic. And don’t forget—if you’re making this dish ahead of time, simply reheat gently on the stove to keep those beans crisp and delicious!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying these delightful *thanksgiving green beans side dishes*, it’s always good to be mindful of the nutritional content. Keep in mind that nutrition values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider this a general guideline. Here’s a typical breakdown for one serving:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 3g
Enjoy these green beans knowing they’re not just delicious but also a healthy addition to your Thanksgiving feast!
FAQ Section
Can I prepare these green beans ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can blanch the green beans a day in advance, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just sauté them with the garlic and almonds for a quick and easy side dish!
What if I don’t have sliced almonds?
No problem at all! You can substitute them with other nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. Just make sure to toast them a bit to enhance their flavor!
Can I use frozen green beans instead?
Yes, you can! Just remember to thaw and drain them before blanching. They might not have the same crunch as fresh beans, but they’ll still taste great!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover sautéed green beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them gently in a skillet over low heat to keep them from getting mushy.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Sure thing! Carrots or bell peppers would be wonderful additions. Just chop them into similar sizes and sauté them along with the garlic for a colorful and nutritious mix!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious green beans is super easy! Just place any leftover sautéed green beans in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy them again—if they last that long! When it’s time to reheat, I recommend using a skillet over low heat. This way, you can warm them gently without losing that lovely crunch. Just stir occasionally until they’re heated through, and you’ll have a delightful side ready to impress again!
Imprimer
thanksgiving green beans side dishes that will amaze you
- Temps Total: 25 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A simple and delicious green bean side dish perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingrédients
- 1 pound fresh green beans
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Trim the ends of the green beans.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and blanch the green beans for 3 minutes.
- Drain and immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add the blanched green beans and almonds to the skillet.
- Sauté for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Feel free to add other nuts for variety.
- You can substitute garlic with shallots for a different flavor.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 15 minutes
- Catégorie: Side Dish
- Méthode: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 50mg
- La graisse: 10g
- Graisses Saturées: 1g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 9g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 12g
- La fibre: 4g
- La protéine: 3g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 0mg
Mots-clés: thanksgiving green beans side dishes
