Green Beans with Lemon-Cardamom Glaze π
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Description:
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of tender-crisp green beans enveloped in a zesty lemon-cardamom glaze, creating a dish that’s not only visually appealing but also tantalizing to the taste buds. This recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional green beans, making it a perfect addition to your culinary repertoire. Whether you prefer your beans with a slight crunch or fully cooked, this recipe allows for customization, ensuring each bite bursts with freshness and flavor. Plus, it’s a healthy choice, boasting low protein and low cholesterol content, making it suitable for various dietary preferences and occasions, including Thanksgiving feasts. With its quick stove-top preparation, this dish is ready to grace your table in under 60 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or festive gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 1 2/3 cups vegetable stock
- 2 lemons, zest of
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon peppercorns
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom
- Coarse salt, to taste
- 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1/2 lemon, finely chopped
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Glaze:
- In a saucepan, combine the vegetable stock, lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced ginger.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until it’s reduced to approximately 1/3 cup, which should take about 10 minutes.
-
Infuse with Flavor:
- Stir in the peppercorns, cardamom, and a pinch of coarse salt into the reduced glaze.
- Set the glaze aside, allowing the flavors to meld together while you prepare the green beans.
-
Cook the Green Beans:
- Steam the fresh green beans until they reach a tender-crisp texture, which usually takes around 7 minutes. Alternatively, you can blanch them in boiling water for about 5 minutes, ensuring they retain their bright green color and crispness. Be careful not to overcook them.
-
Finishing Touches:
- Finely chop half a lemon after removing it from the rind and pith.
- Heat the prepared glaze until it’s piping hot, ensuring it’s ready to be poured over the cooked beans.
-
Assemble and Serve:
- Once the green beans are cooked to perfection, drain them and arrange them on a heated serving platter.
- Pour the hot lemon-cardamom glaze over the beans, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
- Scatter the finely chopped lemon over the glazed beans for a burst of freshness and visual appeal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 81.8
- Fat Content: 1.1g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.3g
- Cholesterol Content: 2mg
- Sodium Content: 106.1mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 16.6g
- Fiber Content: 6.4g
- Sugar Content: 3.4g
- Protein Content: 4.9g
Recipe Notes:
- For a vegetarian version of this dish, simply substitute vegetable stock for the chicken stock.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences, adding more salt or pepper if desired.
- To save time, you can prepare the glaze ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses, making it a versatile and flavorful side dish for any occasion.
