Mediterranean Roasted Green Beans with Slivered Almonds
Description:
Roasting green beans is a common method of bringing out the bean’s natural sweetness, especially in Mediterranean cuisine. This delightful and easy recipe offers a flavorful twist to traditional green bean dishes, showcasing the vibrant flavors of fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and crunchy slivered almonds.
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Recipe Category: Fruit
Keywords: Vegetable, Nuts, < 30 Mins, Oven
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 94
- Fat Content: 5.4g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.7g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 8.6mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 10.9g
- Fiber Content: 4.2g
- Sugar Content: 4.8g
- Protein Content: 3.3g
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/4 pounds green beans
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
- 2 tablespoons slivered almonds
Instructions:
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures that your oven is adequately heated before you begin roasting the green beans, promoting even cooking and caramelization.
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Prepare Baking Sheet: Lightly oil a baking sheet and set it aside. This step prevents the green beans from sticking to the sheet while roasting and facilitates easy cleanup afterward.
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Mix Broth Mixture: In a glass measuring cup, combine the vegetable broth, fresh lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil. This flavorful mixture serves as a marinade for the green beans, infusing them with tangy and aromatic notes.
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Arrange Green Beans: Place the green beans on the prepared baking sheet, then drizzle them evenly with the broth mixture. Ensure that the green beans are coated thoroughly, as this enhances their flavor and prevents them from drying out during roasting.
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Spread Beans: Spread the green beans out into a single layer on the baking sheet. This allows each bean to roast evenly and develop a delicious caramelized exterior, enhancing its natural sweetness.
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Roast: Roast the green beans in the preheated oven for approximately 8 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking, as they should remain vibrant and slightly crisp.
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Season: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and season the green beans with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Gently stir and turn them over to ensure even seasoning distribution, enhancing their overall flavor profile.
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Add Almonds: Sprinkle the slivered almonds over the seasoned green beans. These crunchy and nutty additions provide a delightful textural contrast and elevate the dish with their rich flavor.
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Continue Roasting: Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast the green beans for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until they are wrinkled, tender, and slightly caramelized, while the almonds are fragrant and lightly browned. This final roasting step enhances the flavors and textures of the dish, creating a deliciously satisfying result.
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Serve: Once roasted to perfection, promptly transfer the Mediterranean Roasted Green Beans with Slivered Almonds to a serving dish and serve immediately. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and enticing aromas of this simple yet elegant dish as a delightful side or standalone vegetable option.
Enjoy this Mediterranean-inspired dish as a flavorful and nutritious addition to your meals, showcasing the natural beauty and taste of fresh green beans paired with aromatic slivered almonds and zesty lemon juice. Whether served alongside your favorite main course or enjoyed on its own, these roasted green beans are sure to impress with their vibrant colors, bold flavors, and irresistible crunch. Bon appétit! 🌱🍋🥗