Orange Spice Green Beans
The key to a great meal is not only a tasty dish at the center of the meal, it’s in stellar side dishes that will rival the main course in appeal. Green beans get a flavor – and nutritional – boost from Limoneira® oranges and spices, for a side that will make everyone eager for seconds.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
- 1 pound green beans trimmed
- 1 Limoneira® orange zest & juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger finely grated
- 2 teaspoons liquid honey
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 shallots very thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1/2 ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme chopped
30 Minutes Ahead (Or Night Before)
Cut the beans in half cross-wise.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Just before you pop the beans in the water, fill a large bowl (or a clean sink) with ice and cold water.
Add the beans to the boiling water, and allow them to blanch for 4 to 5 minutes only.
As soon as 5 minutes are up, transfer them with a sieve to the ice water bath.
Let the beans sit in the ice water for one or two minutes to stop the cooking process.
Let the beans drain until they are very dry before you proceed to the next step.
You can also store them in the fridge, covered, overnight.
Sauce & Beans
Add the orange juice and zest, mustard, ginger and honey to a small bowl. Set aside for now.
Melt the butter in a skillet at a medium setting, and saute the shallots and pine nuts for about 8 to 10 minutes, until shallots are browned.
Add the beans to the pan, and season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
Cook and stir for a minute or two.
Add the mustard and ginger sauce, and stir to coat the beans evenly.
Turn the heat down to a medium low setting, and contunue to cook and stir as the sauce thickens, for another 3 to 5 minutes.
Serve immediately.