There is always so much food on Thanksgiving and much of it can be heavy, rich, and just downright hard to consume. I’ve had several requests to create vegetarian and vegan dishes for the holidays for friends and readers.
These green beans are a great alternative to a goopy green bean casserole. Fresh, light and lemony with a sweet, tart, olive oil glaze, they satisfy with a crisp green bean and a crunchy pecan. We had these with steak and potatoes, but they’ll be fantastic added to your vegetarian Thanksgiving, a vegan Thanksgiving, or a traditional Thanksgiving feast alike.
- INGREDIENTS
- 1 lb green beans (or mixed green and wax beans) trimmed
- 1 cup pecans
- juice of 1 lemon
- zest of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ½ cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp cayenne (optional)
- salt and pepper to taste
- INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat oven to 375º and toast pecans for about 5 minutes on baking sheet lined with parchment watch carefully so they do not burn
- Boil 3 cups water in a saucepan over high heat, add 1 teaspoon salt and 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white wine vinegar
- Whisk brown sugar and lemon juice over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
- Add olive oil, salt, and cayenne and whisk until smooth and slightly thickened
- When pecans are done transfer to a bowl then drizzle half of glaze over the top and toss with half of the zest. Then toss very well. Sprinkle the pecans out on a cool surface lined with parchment.
- Boil green beans for about 3-5 minutes, strain, then plunge into ice water
- Place drained green beans serving dish then toss with remaining glaze and finish with olive oil, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and top with pecans.
Rosie says
These will go perfectly with our bbq turkey and maple chestnuts. But how does a gal acidulate water?
sabrinamodel says
Mmm your Thanksgiving sounds delicious! What time? Acidulated water is just H20 + 1 tbsp lemon juice or white vinegar. Great question.
the constant hunger says
Lately I have been adding nuts to everything. I will definitely try this recipe out. Love that there's cayenne and brown sugar. Great contrast.
Paula says
what a delicious blog! here is so many uncanny inspirations!
have a nice time,
Paula