Name: Green Beans with Pine Nuts
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: PT-489005H30M34S
Yield: undefined
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: For the Dish:; 1 lb fresh green beans (rinsed, ends trimmed); ¼ tsp salt; 2 tbsp olive oil; 6 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (squeezed); ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated); ⅓ cup pine nuts (lightly toasted); ¼ tsp coarsely ground black pepper

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Green Beans with Pine Nuts is a simple, elegant side dish that combines tender green beans, aromatic garlic, and a touch of citrus, all topped with toasted pine nuts and grated Parmesan. It’s a quick and flavorful recipe that elevates any meal with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Green Beans with Pine Nuts dish is packed with vibrant flavors and textures. The garlic adds a savory depth, while the lemon juice brightens up the whole dish. The addition of toasted pine nuts brings a delightful crunch, and the Parmesan adds richness. It’s a perfect side dish that’s quick, healthy, and versatile for any meal.

Green Beans with Pine Nuts

Ingredients

1 lb fresh green beans (rinsed, ends trimmed)
¼ tsp salt
2 tbsp olive oil
6 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (squeezed)
½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
⅓ cup pine nuts (lightly toasted)
¼ tsp coarsely ground black pepper

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Green Beans:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the green beans and ¼ tsp salt.
Cook on medium heat for 5 minutes until tender but still crisp. Drain the beans.

Sauté the Green Beans:

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and cooked green beans.
Sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the garlic becomes fragrant and the beans are evenly coated.

Finish the Dish:

Remove the skillet from the heat.
Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese melts and the beans are evenly coated.

Top and Serve:

Top with lightly toasted pine nuts.
Season with additional salt if needed, and coarsely ground black pepper.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Total Time: 12 minutes

Variations

Add herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil can be added for extra flavor.
Make it spicier: For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes along with the garlic.
Use other nuts: Swap pine nuts with almonds, walnuts, or cashews for a different texture and flavor.
Vegan version: Skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese alternative for a vegan version.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the green beans and garlic ahead of time. Reheat and top with pine nuts and Parmesan just before serving.

Can I use frozen green beans?

Yes, frozen green beans can be used, though they may not have the same crisp texture as fresh beans. Just follow the same steps for cooking.

Can I omit the pine nuts?

Yes, you can omit the pine nuts, but they do add a nice crunch and flavor. You could substitute with another crunchy topping like slivered almonds.

Can I use a different cheese?

If you don’t have Parmesan, you can use Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or a similar hard cheese for a different twist.

Conclusion

Green Beans with Pine Nuts is a quick, tasty, and healthy side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The bright flavors of garlic, lemon, and Parmesan, combined with the crunchy texture of pine nuts, make this dish an irresistible complement to your meal. It’s simple, yet sophisticated enough to serve at dinner parties, weeknight meals, or holiday feasts!