Christmas Green Beans with Toasted Pecans Recipe
Introduction
This festive dish combines tender green beans with a sweet, buttery glaze and toasted pecans for a delightful crunch. Perfect as a vibrant side for your Christmas feast, these green beans bring color and flavor to your holiday table.
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 create a wonderful aroma as it warms.
- Step 2: Add the chopped pecans to the skillet and cook, stirring, for about two minutes until they turn golden brown. Remove the pecans and set them 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 beans are tender.
- Step 4: Stir in the diced pimentos and the toasted pecans. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, mix well, and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegan version, substitute the butter with extra virgin olive oil and use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving for a bright, fresh finish.
- Swap pecans for toasted almonds or walnuts for a different nutty flavor and texture.
Storage
Store leftover green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture.
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 work well. Trim and blanch them briefly before cooking to ensure they become tender within the same cooking time.
How do I prevent the pecans from burning?
Keep the heat at medium to medium-high and stir often while toasting. Removing them as soon as they turn golden helps avoid any bitterness from burning.
PrintChristmas Green Beans with Toasted Pecans Recipe
Delightfully festive Christmas Green Beans with Toasted Pecans combines tender green beans with the subtle sweetness of honey, the crunch of toasted pecans, and the tangy pop of diced pimentos for a vibrant holiday side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Green Beans
- 16 ounces frozen fine green beans, thawed
Butter Mixture
- 3 tablespoons salted butter (or extra virgin olive oil)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
Pecans and Additional Ingredients
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup diced pimentos (canned, drained)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Melt Butter Mixture: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter, honey, and minced garlic together. This aromatic base will infuse the dish with a sweet and savory flavor that fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting scent.
- Toast Pecans: Add the chopped pecans to the melted butter mixture. Cook and stir for about two minutes until the pecans turn golden brown and release a nutty aroma. Remove the pecans from the skillet and place them in a small bowl to set aside.
- Cook Green Beans: Using the same skillet, add the thawed green beans. Cover and cook over medium heat for 6 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the green beans are tender but still crisp.
- Combine and Season: Stir the diced pimentos and the toasted pecans back into the green beans. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper according to your taste. Mix thoroughly to combine all flavors and serve warm as a festive holiday side dish.
Notes
- You can substitute salted butter with extra virgin olive oil for a dairy-free option.
- Ensure to thaw the green beans completely before cooking for even heating.
- Adjust the amount of honey based on your desired level of sweetness.
- To keep pecans extra crunchy, toast just before serving and avoid overcooking during combined steps.
- This dish can be prepared ahead; reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
Keywords: Christmas green beans, toasted pecans, holiday side dish, green beans with pimentos, festive vegetables
