Green Beans With Hazelnut-Lemon Butter
Bright, flavorful green beans are enhanced with toasted hazelnuts, lemon butter, and fresh herbs, making this side dish perfect for both casual and elegant meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, cover green beans with water and bring to a boil.
- Cover and cook until crisp-tender, about 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium heat, brown the butter.
- Add the toasted chopped hazelnuts, lemon juice, minced parsley, dried basil, and salt; heat through.
- Drain the green beans.
- Add the butter mixture to the green beans and toss to coat.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nut-free version, substitute the toasted hazelnuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. For a bolder flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture. Make sure to cook the green beans until they are just crisp-tender to maintain their vibrant color and texture. If you prefer a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of heavy cream to the butter mixture.
Serving Suggestions
These green beans with hazelnut-lemon butter make a delightful side dish for grilled chicken or fish, and pair beautifully with Baked Stuffed Potatoes. For a vegetarian option, serve alongside a hearty grain salad or roasted vegetables. Garnish with additional parsley for a pop of color and freshness before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little butter to keep them moist. Avoid using the microwave as it can make the green beans mushy. Serve them warm for the best texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Beans With Hazelnut-Lemon Butter contains roughly 142 calories, with 4g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans; however, they may require a shorter cooking time. Steam them until just tender, then toss with the hazelnut-lemon butter mixture. This will help retain their color and crispness.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or olive oil. Ensure that the hazelnuts used are also processed in a dairy-free facility if you're avoiding all dairy products.
What can I substitute for hazelnuts?
If you don't have hazelnuts, you may substitute them with chopped almonds or walnuts. Toast them lightly to enhance their flavor before adding them to the butter mixture, ensuring a delicious crunch in your dish.
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).