Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without a scrumptious green bean dish, and I’m excited to share my go-to recipe for Thanksgiving green bean recipes that’s both simple and bursting with flavor! Every year, as the aroma of roasted turkey fills the house, I can’t help but look forward to these vibrant green beans sautéed with garlic and topped with crunchy almonds. They’re quick to whip up, which is perfect for those busy holiday kitchens. Trust me, this dish is not just a side; it’s a delightful addition that brings a pop of color and taste to your festive table!
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
These ingredients come together to create a vibrant and delicious side dish that’s not only easy to prepare but also sure to impress your guests. The fresh green beans are the star of the show, and when sautéed with garlic and sprinkled with crunchy almonds, they transform into a mouthwatering delight. Plus, you probably already have most of these ingredients in your pantry! So, let’s get cooking and make this Thanksgiving green bean recipe a highlight of your holiday feast.
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Green Bean Recipes
Preparing these Thanksgiving green beans is a breeze, and I promise you’ll love how quickly they come together! First, let’s get the water boiling for those lovely green beans. While that’s happening, you can trim the ends of the beans – just a quick snap and you’re good to go. Then, once the water is bubbling, toss the green beans in for about 3 to 5 minutes until they’re a vibrant green. It’s like watching them wake up!
After that, drain and give them a quick rinse with cold water to halt the cooking. This is super important because we want those beans bright and crisp! Now, heat up your skillet with olive oil over medium heat. The garlic goes in next, just for about a minute until it’s fragrant. Then, add the green beans along with your salt and pepper, stirring everything together for another 5 minutes. Finally, toss in those crunchy sliced almonds and a splash of lemon juice, mixing it well. And voilà! You’ve got a beautiful dish ready to serve warm!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Trim the ends of the green beans.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil.
- Add the green beans and cook for 3-5 minutes until bright green.
- Drain and rinse the beans with cold water.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add the green beans, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine.
- Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add sliced almonds and lemon juice, tossing to mix.
- Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Thanksgiving green bean recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: This recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it a breeze to whip up even on the busiest Thanksgiving day!
- Easy ingredient access: You probably already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen, so there’s no last-minute shopping stress.
- Flavorful and healthy: With fresh green beans, garlic, and almonds, this dish is not only delicious but packed with nutrients.
- Perfect for gatherings: It’s a colorful and tasty side that complements any Thanksgiving spread, sure to impress your family and friends!
This recipe truly embodies the spirit of Thanksgiving, combining ease and flavor into one delightful dish that everyone will love!
Ingredient Notes/Substitutions
One of the best things about this Thanksgiving green bean recipe is its flexibility! If you’re not a fan of almonds, feel free to swap them out for walnuts, which bring a nice crunch and earthiness. For a cheesy twist, sprinkle some grated parmesan on top just before serving—it adds a delightful creaminess that pairs perfectly with the green beans. If you want a bit of zest, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes for a kick! Honestly, this dish can adapt to whatever you have on hand, so don’t hesitate to get creative!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Thanksgiving green bean recipe turns out perfectly, here are a few handy tips! First, always choose fresh, vibrant green beans for the best flavor and texture—avoid any that look wilted or dull. When blanching, don’t overcook the beans; they should be bright green and still crisp, so keep an eye on the clock! For presentation, consider serving them in a beautiful dish and drizzling a little extra lemon juice before serving for that fresh pop. And remember, a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper just before serving adds a lovely touch. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! This Thanksgiving green bean recipe is not only delicious but also a healthy choice for your holiday meal. Each serving, which is about 1 cup, contains approximately 150 calories. You’ll get 7 grams of fat, including just 1 gram of saturated fat, making it a heart-friendly option. Plus, there’s 4 grams of protein and 20 grams of carbohydrates, with 5 grams of fiber to keep things balanced. Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on typical ingredients, so they may vary slightly depending on what you use. But trust me, this dish is a nutritious addition to your Thanksgiving table!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making the perfect Thanksgiving green beans? I’ve got answers! One common query is, “Can I steam the green beans instead of blanching them?” Absolutely! Steaming will keep them vibrant and crisp, just be sure to watch the timing so they don’t get mushy. Another question I often hear is, “Can I prepare these beans in advance?” Yes! You can blanch and sauté them ahead of time, then just reheat gently before serving. If you’re wondering about ingredient swaps, feel free to use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a flavor twist, or even throw in some sautéed mushrooms for extra depth. Lastly, someone always asks, “How can I make this dish lighter?” You can reduce the olive oil or skip the almonds for a lighter version, but I promise they add that irresistible crunch! Enjoy your cooking, and don’t hesitate to get creative!
Serving Suggestions
These Thanksgiving green beans are so versatile and pair beautifully with many dishes! For a classic combination, serve them alongside a juicy roasted turkey or honey-glazed ham; the flavors complement each other perfectly. You can also add some creamy mashed potatoes or a savory stuffing to round out the meal. If you’re looking for a refreshing drink to accompany your feast, consider a crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, or even a light, fruity sparkling cider for a non-alcoholic option. Trust me, these green beans will shine on your table, no matter what you serve them with!
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Thanksgiving Green Bean Recipes to Delight Your Guests
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious green bean dish perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Trim the ends of the green beans.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil.
- Add green beans and cook for 3-5 minutes until bright green.
- Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add green beans, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add sliced almonds and lemon juice. Toss to mix.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute almonds with walnuts.
- Add parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sauté
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: thanksgiving green bean recipes, green beans, side dish
