Green Beans With Cashews
Green beans sautéed with buttery cashews and lemon juice create a crunchy, flavorful side perfect for casual family dinners or special occasions. Bright and satisfying.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Trim ends off green beans.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add green beans to the boiling water.
- Boil uncovered for 8 to 12 minutes until tender but still crunchy.
- Immediately pour into a colander and run under cold water for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Remove beans to paper towels and dry. (They can be refrigerated covered overnight.)
- Before serving, bring beans to room temperature.
- Melt butter or margarine in a large skillet or wok over moderate heat.
- Add beans, lemon juice, and salted cashews.
- Cook over moderately high heat, stirring and tossing gently until heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, consider using ghee instead of butter for a nutty taste. If you want a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. To keep the green beans vibrant, ensure you plunge them into ice water immediately after boiling. You can also substitute cashews with almonds or walnuts for a different texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these green beans as a vibrant side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish. They also complement hearty vegetarian dishes like Cheese And Pineapple Casserole. For a complete meal, pair with a fresh salad or serve alongside Minted Carrots for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a bit of water to steam them lightly if needed. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the beans soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Beans With Cashews contains roughly 107 calories, with 2g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 739mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans. However, they may require a slightly longer cooking time and might not retain the same crunchiness as fresh beans. Be sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking.
How can I make this dish vegan?
To make this dish vegan, substitute the butter with plant-based margarine or olive oil and replace salted cashews with unsalted ones. You can also enhance the flavor with nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste.
What can I serve with green beans and cashews?
These green beans pair well with various dishes. Consider serving them with grilled tofu for a vegetarian option, or alongside baked salmon for a protein-rich meal. They also go nicely with a side of Chewy Dunking Snaps for a delightful contrast.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).