Apple Cider Green Beans

🍏🍹 Apple Cider Green Beans 🍏🍹

What is it?
Apple Cider Green Beans is a delicious side dish that combines the crisp, fresh taste of green beans with the sweet and tangy flavors of apple cider. It’s a wonderful way to elevate your green bean game and add a touch of autumnal delight to your meal.

History:
The exact origin of Apple Cider Green Beans is a bit unclear, but it likely emerged as a creative culinary fusion, drawing from the traditions of using apple cider in cooking and the popularity of green beans in various cuisines. The combination of these two ingredients has become a delightful seasonal favorite.

Components:
To prepare Apple Cider Green Beans, you will need the following components:

• Fresh green beans (about 1 pound)
• Apple cider (1 cup)
• Butter (2 tablespoons)
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
• Minced garlic (2 cloves)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Sliced almonds or crispy bacon bits for garnish

Steps to Prepare:

1. Clean and Trim the Green Beans: Start by washing the green beans thoroughly under running water. Trim the ends by cutting off any stems or tough spots.

2. Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the green beans and blanch them for about 2-3 minutes until they turn bright green and slightly tender. Drain and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.

3. Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown.

4. Combine Green Beans and Cider: Add the blanched green beans to the skillet with the sautéed garlic. Pour in the apple cider, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.

5. Simmer and Reduce: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook, uncovered, for about 10-15 minutes, or until the green beans are tender and the cider has reduced to a syrupy glaze. Stir occasionally to ensure even coating.

6. Add Butter and Optional Garnish: Once the green beans are tender and the cider has reduced, add the butter to the skillet. Stir until the butter melts and coats the green beans beautifully. If desired, sprinkle some sliced almonds or crispy bacon bits for added texture and flavor.

7. Serve: Transfer your Apple Cider Green Beans to a serving dish and enjoy!

Time Needed:
The total time needed to prepare Apple Cider Green Beans is approximately 25-30 minutes. This includes prep time, blanching, cooking, and serving. It’s a relatively quick and easy dish to make, perfect for adding a burst of seasonal flavor to your meal. Enjoy! 🍏🍹🍽️

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Apple Cider Green Beans:

Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximately 1 cup):

• Calories: 85
• Total Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 10mg
• Sodium: 120mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 11g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 2g
• Vitamin C: 15% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin A: 10% of DV
• Iron: 4% of DV

Health Information:

• Low in Calories: Apple Cider Green Beans are relatively low in calories, making them a suitable addition to a balanced diet.

• Good Source of Fiber: These green beans are a good source of dietary fiber, with 3 grams per serving. Fiber is essential for digestive health and can help you feel full and satisfied.

• Rich in Vitamins: The dish provides a significant amount of Vitamin C, which supports your immune system and skin health. It also contains Vitamin A, which is important for vision and overall health.

• Moderate Fat Content: The fat content in this dish comes from butter and olive oil. While it’s not high in fat, the fats used are primarily healthy fats, especially when using olive oil.

• Low in Cholesterol: With only 10mg of cholesterol per serving, Apple Cider Green Beans are a heart-healthy choice.

• Low Sodium: The sodium content is moderate, making it suitable for individuals who are watching their salt intake. You can further control the sodium by adjusting the amount of salt used.

• Natural Sweetness: The sweetness in this dish comes from apple cider, which is a natural source of sweetness without added sugars.

• Vegetarian Option: This dish can be enjoyed by vegetarians and those seeking plant-based options.

Remember that the nutrition facts can vary slightly based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used, but overall, Apple Cider Green Beans can be a nutritious and delicious addition to your meal. Enjoy them as part of a well-balanced diet for a boost of vitamins and fiber! 🌿🍏🍽️