Christmas Green Beans with Toasted Pecans Recipe
Introduction
This festive side dish combines tender green beans with the sweetness of honey and the crunch of toasted pecans. It’s a simple, flavorful addition to your holiday table that’s sure to impress with its vibrant colors and delicious texture.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons salted butter (or extra virgin olive oil)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans
- 16 ounces frozen fine green beans (thawed)
- 1/4 cup diced pimentos (canned pimentos, drained)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large skillet, melt the butter, honey, and garlic over medium-high heat. This sweet mixture will fill your kitchen with a wonderful aroma.
- Step 2: Add the chopped pecans to the skillet. Cook and stir for about two minutes, until the pecans turn golden brown. Remove them from the skillet and set aside in a small bowl.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add the thawed green beans. Cover and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 6 to 10 minutes until the green beans are tender.
- Step 4: Stir in the diced pimentos and toasted pecans. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans and substitute with toasted pumpkin seeds or simply increase the pimentos for extra color and flavor.
- Use fresh green beans if available; blanch them briefly before cooking to ensure tenderness.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving to brighten the flavors.
Storage
Store leftover green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or butter to keep them moist.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh green beans can be used. Blanch them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes before cooking to ensure they become tender.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh to maintain the toasted pecans’ crunch, but you can prepare it a few hours in advance and reheat gently before serving.
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Christmas Green Beans with Toasted Pecans Recipe
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This festive Christmas Green Beans with Toasted Pecans recipe combines tender green beans with the sweet and savory flavors of honey, butter, garlic, and crunchy toasted pecans. Enhanced with vibrant diced pimentos, this dish brings a perfect balance of textures and colors to your holiday table, making it a delicious and easy side for any Christmas feast.
Ingredients
Green Beans
- 16 ounces frozen fine green beans, thawed
Flavor Base
- 3 tablespoons salted butter (or extra virgin olive oil)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
Toppings
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup diced pimentos (canned pimentos, drained)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Flavor Base: In a large skillet, melt the salted butter along with honey and minced garlic over medium-high heat. This fragrant mixture not only adds sweetness but also infuses the dish with a warm, inviting aroma perfect for the holidays.
- Toast the Pecans: Add the chopped pecans to the melted butter mixture and cook, stirring continuously, for about two minutes until the pecans turn golden brown. Once toasted, remove the pecans from the skillet and set aside in a small bowl to retain their crisp texture.
- Cook the Green Beans: Using the same skillet, add the thawed green beans and cover. Cook over medium heat for 6 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the green beans become tender yet maintain a slight crunch for the best texture.
- Combine and Season: Stir the diced pimentos and toasted pecans back into the skillet with the green beans. Season the dish with salt and black pepper according to your taste. Mix thoroughly and serve warm as a delightful holiday side dish.
Notes
- Use extra virgin olive oil if you prefer a dairy-free or lighter option instead of butter.
- Thaw frozen green beans before cooking to ensure even heating and tenderness.
- Adjust the amount of honey according to your desired sweetness level.
- For added texture, you can toast the pecans in a dry skillet before adding butter and honey.
- This dish can be made ahead and gently reheated on the stovetop before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Christmas green beans, toasted pecans, holiday side dish, easy green beans recipe, festive vegetable side
