Unveil the magic of combining basic ingredients in a unique way with this green beans with orange olive oil recipe. This dish brings together the freshness of green beans, the richness of olive oil, and the tangy twist of orange, creating a symphony of flavors that will surprise and delight any palate.
The key ingredient to look for when shopping is orange zest. While oranges are commonly found, obtaining the zest requires a zester or a very fine grater. This tool removes the flavorful orange part of the peel, leaving behind the bitter white pith. If you do not have a zester, look for pre-packaged orange zest in the spice section of your supermarket.
Ingredients for Green Beans with Orange Olive Oil
Green beans: A versatile vegetable, green beans bring a fresh, crisp texture to the dish.
Olive oil: Olive oil adds a rich, earthy flavor to the beans and serves as a medium for infusing the orange zest.
Orange zest: The zest from an orange peel imparts a tangy, citrusy flavor that brightens the overall dish.
Kosher salt: Kosher salt is used to enhance the other flavors in the dish.
One reader, Hendrik Barron says:
This green beans with orange olive oil recipe is a game-changer! The combination of fresh green beans and the zesty orange-infused olive oil creates a burst of flavor that's simply irresistible. It's a delightful twist on a classic dish, and it's become a staple in my kitchen. Highly recommended!
Techniques Required
How to steam green beans: Place the green beans in a steamer basket over 1 inch of boiling water and cover. Cook for 2 to 4 minutes or until the beans are tender but still firm. Drain and keep warm.
How to infuse olive oil with orange zest: Stir together olive oil and orange zest strips in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Cook and stir until the olive oil has been infused with the flavor of the orange zest, about 2 minutes. Discard the zest strips.
How to toss green beans with flavored olive oil: Toss the drained green beans with the flavored olive oil and kosher salt over medium heat until the beans are hot and coated with oil.
How to garnish with orange zest: Sprinkle the remaining grated orange zest over the green beans before serving.
How To Make Green Beans With Orange Olive Oil
Tender yet crisp, these steamed green beans coated with zesty orange olive oil goes best with your proteins. Make the glossy dish in just 22 minutes.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ¾lbfresh green beans,trimmed and halved
- 4½tspolive oil,extra virgin
- 1tbsporange zest,strips
- kosher salt,to taste
For Serving:
- 1tsporange zest,grated
Instructions
-
Place green beans in a steamer basket over 1 inch of boiling water and cover. Cook for 2 to 4 minutes or until the beans are tender but still firm. Drain, and keep warm.
-
Stir together olive oil and orange zest strips in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Cook and stir until olive oil has been infused with the flavor of the orange zest, about 2 minutes. Discard zest strips.
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Toss drained green beans with flavored olive oil and kosher salt over medium heat until the beans are hot and coated with oil. Place onto a serving dish and sprinkle with remaining grated orange zest to garnish.
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Serve and enjoy.
Nutrition
- Calories: 73.06kcal
- Fat: 5.25g
- Saturated Fat: 0.74g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.70g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.63g
- Carbohydrates: 6.43g
- Fiber: 2.51g
- Sugar: 2.77g
- Protein: 1.59g
- Sodium: 214.20mg
- Calcium: 34.87mg
- Potassium: 183.79mg
- Iron: 0.92mg
- Vitamin A: 30.19µg
- Vitamin C: 13.10mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting This Recipe
When infusing the olive oil with orange zest, ensure to keep the heat at medium-low. This is to prevent the zest from burning, which can result in a bitter taste. Instead, you want to gently heat the zest to release its aromatic oils into the olive oil, creating a beautifully fragrant and flavorful base for your green beans.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Side Dish
Prep ahead: Chop and blanch the green beans the day before and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will save you time on the day of cooking.
Use a citrus zester: Using a citrus zester will make it easier and quicker to get the orange zest needed for the recipe.
Steamer basket: Invest in a good quality steamer basket to quickly and evenly cook the green beans without losing their nutrients.
Multi-task: While the green beans are steaming, you can prepare the flavored olive oil in a separate skillet to save time.
Taste as you go: Taste the green beans as you cook to ensure they are seasoned to your liking, saving time on adjusting the seasoning at the end.
Keep it simple: Stick to the basic ingredients and steps to save time and enjoy a delicious dish with minimal effort.
Substitute Ingredients For Green Beans With Orange Olive Oil Recipe
fresh green beans - Substitute with asparagus: Asparagus has a similar texture and can be cooked in a similar way to green beans, providing a delicious alternative in this recipe.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil in this recipe.
orange zest - Substitute with lemon zest: Lemon zest can provide a similar citrusy flavor and aroma to the dish, offering a refreshing twist to the original recipe.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt, providing a similar level of salinity to the dish.
Elevate Your Plate: Presentation Ideas
Elevate the green beans: Arrange the green beans in a neat and organized manner on the plate, ensuring they are the focal point of the dish.
Incorporate vibrant colors: Introduce colorful elements such as edible flowers or microgreens to add visual appeal and contrast to the dish.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of minimalism by strategically placing the green beans on the plate, allowing for a balance of empty space to enhance the overall presentation.
Emphasize precision: Pay close attention to the placement of each green bean, ensuring uniformity and precision in their arrangement.
Highlight the orange-infused olive oil: Drizzle the orange-infused olive oil in a deliberate and artistic manner, drawing attention to its flavor and aroma.
Add a touch of elegance with garnish: Sprinkle a pinch of finely grated orange zest over the green beans to add a pop of color and a burst of citrus fragrance.
Consider the plate selection: Choose a plate that complements the vibrant green and orange colors of the dish, enhancing the overall visual impact.
Create a balanced composition: Strive for a harmonious balance of colors, textures, and shapes to create an aesthetically pleasing presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Preparing Orange Olive Oil Green Beans
Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for various tasks such as chopping, pureeing, and blending ingredients.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is an essential kitchen tool used for combining ingredients, whisking, or tossing salads. It comes in various sizes and materials to suit different cooking needs.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines
- Let the green beans cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To freeze, place the cooled green beans in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep in the freezer for up to 6 months.
- When ready to use, thaw the frozen green beans in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a little extra olive oil if needed to refresh the flavor.
- If you have leftover orange zest, you can freeze it separately in a small freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 6 months and can be used to add a burst of citrus flavor to other dishes.
- For best quality, use frozen green beans within 6 months. After that, they may start to lose their texture and flavor.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Reheat the green beans in a skillet over medium heat until they are warmed through. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to the pan to help steam the beans and prevent them from drying out. Once heated, drizzle the reserved orange olive oil over the top and toss to coat. This method will help revive the flavor of the olive oil and keep the beans crisp.
For a quick and easy reheating method, place the green beans in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the beans are heated through. Once warm, drizzle the reserved orange olive oil over the top and toss to combine. The damp paper towel will help steam the beans and prevent them from drying out in the microwave.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your green beans and give them a crispy texture. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the beans in the air fryer basket and cook for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Once crispy and heated through, transfer the beans to a bowl and toss with the reserved orange olive oil. The high heat of the air fryer will help crisp up the beans and revive their flavor.
For a low and slow reheating method, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the green beans out on a baking sheet and drizzle with a little extra olive oil or water to prevent them from drying out. Cover the baking sheet with foil and place it in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the beans are heated through. Remove from the oven, transfer to a serving dish, and toss with the reserved orange olive oil. This method is great if you have a large quantity of beans to reheat and want to ensure they heat evenly without drying out.
Interesting Trivia About Green Beans and Olive Oil
The green beans with orange olive oil recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. It's a simple yet elegant dish that can be served as a side or a light meal. The infusion of orange zest in the olive oil adds a refreshing citrusy note to the green beans, elevating the dish to a whole new level. This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a healthy addition to any meal. Whether you're a fan of green beans or looking for a new way to enjoy vegetables, this recipe is sure to impress your taste buds.
Budget-Friendly or Splurge: Cost Analysis
This green beans with orange olive oil recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are simple and affordable, making it a budget-friendly option. The use of fresh green beans and olive oil provides essential nutrients at a reasonable cost. The addition of orange zest adds a touch of elegance without breaking the bank. Overall, I rate this recipe a solid 9 for its affordability and nutritional value. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $8-$10, making it an excellent choice for a delicious and economical side dish.
Is This Side Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?
The green beans with orange olive oil recipe is a relatively healthy dish, as it primarily consists of fresh green beans, which are low in calories and rich in nutrients such as fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K. The use of olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. However, there are a few aspects that could be improved to make the recipe even healthier:
- The recipe calls for 4½ teaspoons of olive oil, which may be a bit excessive considering the serving size. Reducing the amount of olive oil could help lower the overall calorie and fat content of the dish.
- While the orange zest adds a nice flavor profile, it doesn't significantly contribute to the nutritional value of the dish. Incorporating additional vegetables, such as sliced carrots or cherry tomatoes, could increase the variety of nutrients and make the recipe more well-rounded.
- The recipe doesn't specify the amount of salt used, which could lead to over-salting. It's important to use salt in moderation to maintain a healthy sodium intake.
To further enhance the nutritional value of this recipe, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the olive oil to 2-3 teaspoons, which should still be sufficient to coat the green beans and provide flavor.
- Add sliced almonds or chopped walnuts to the dish for an extra crunch and a boost of healthy fats, protein, and fiber.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as garlic, red pepper flakes, or thyme, to add depth and variety to the flavor profile without relying on excessive salt.
- Serve the green beans alongside a lean protein source, such as grilled chicken or tofu, to create a more balanced and satisfying meal.
Editor's Take on Green Beans with Orange Olive Oil
This recipe for green beans with orange olive oil is a delightful combination of fresh, vibrant flavors. The infusion of orange zest into the olive oil adds a bright and citrusy note to the dish, complementing the natural sweetness of the green beans. The simple preparation allows the flavors to shine, making it a perfect side dish for any meal. The addition of the extra orange zest as a garnish adds a pop of color and a burst of citrus aroma, elevating the dish to a new level. Overall, this recipe is a refreshing and elegant way to enjoy green beans.
Enhance Your Green Beans With Orange Olive Oil Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Green Beans With Orange Olive Oil Recipe:
This recipe is a testament to the marriage of simplicity and flavor. The freshness of the fresh green beans is complemented by the delicate infusion of orange zest in olive oil. The combination of these ingredients creates a harmonious balance of citrusy and earthy notes, enhancing the natural sweetness of the green beans. The use of kosher salt further elevates the dish, adding depth and seasoning. With a focus on quality and minimalism, this recipe promises a delightful and trustworthy culinary experience.
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