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Looking for an effortless side dish that’s full of flavor? These sautéed green beans with caramelized shallots and pistachios are your answer and the perfect addition to your holiday menu. Perfectly crisp, buttery green beans are paired with sweet caramelized shallots, crunchy pistachios, and a bright hint of lemon zest for an elevated yet approachable dish that will steal the spotlight at any dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & Easy: This green bean recipe comes together in under 30 minutes.
  • Elegant & Flavorful: The caramelized shallots and Parmesan add depth, while the pistachios and lemon zest offer crunch and brightness.
  • Versatile: A perfect side for holiday feasts, casual weeknight dinners, or even a green bean salad topper.

Ingredients for Sautéed Green Beans

  • Green Beans (2 lbs): Look for fresh, vibrant beans with no blemishes. Trimming the ends ensures a clean and uniform presentation.
  • Shallots (3, thinly sliced): Shallots add a sweet, caramelized flavor that complements the beans beautifully.
  • Butter (2 tbsp): Adds richness and helps achieve perfectly caramelized shallots.
  • Pistachios (¾ cup, deshelled): For a nutty crunch. You can substitute pine nuts or almonds for variety.
  • Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated): Adds a salty, umami finish to the dish.
  • Lemon Zest (1 tbsp): Brings a refreshing brightness to balance the flavors.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning throughout the cooking process.

Variations and Add-Ins

  • Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing for a touch of heat.
  • Garlic Butter Green Beans: Substitute garlic for shallots for a simpler flavor profile.
  • Balsamic Drizzle: Finish the dish with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for sweetness and acidity.
  • Nuts & Seeds: Try toasted almonds or sunflower seeds instead of pistachios for variety.
  • Cheese Swap: Replace Parmesan with feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist.

How to Make Sautéed Green Beans

Step 1: Caramelize the Shallots

  • Heat 1 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add sliced shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized (about 10 minutes). Set aside.

Step 2: Blanch the Green Beans

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Add green beans and cook for 3 minutes until they turn bright green.
  • Immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Drain thoroughly.

Step 3: Sauté the Green Beans

  • In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tbsp of butter over medium heat.
  • Add the blanched green beans and sauté for 3-4 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

  • Remove the green beans from heat and transfer to a serving platter.
  • Top with caramelized shallots, pistachios, Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of lemon zest.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

  • Serve warm as a side dish or toss with a green bean salad for a light, refreshing meal.

Tips for Perfect Sautéed Green Beans

Blanch for Brightness: Blanching the beans first keeps them vibrant and crisp-tender.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Sauté the beans in batches if needed to ensure even cooking.

Use Fresh Lemon Juice: A final squeeze of fresh lemon juice elevates the flavors even more.

Prep Ahead: You can blanch the beans and caramelize the shallots in advance for easy assembly.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

With its balance of textures and flavors, this sautéed green beans recipe is a showstopper. It’s quick, easy, and versatile, making it a must-have for holiday spreads, Sunday dinners, or casual weeknight meals. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises delicious results every time.

Other Side Dishes You’ll Love

Recipe FAQ

Yes! Just thaw them first and skip the blanching step.

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain texture.

Easily! Replace the butter with olive oil and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.

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Green Beans with Caramelized Shallots & Pistachios

Yield: 4-6
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Perfect sautéed green beans with caramelized shallots, pistachios, and Parmesan cheese. A quick, easy side dish packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs green beans, trimmed
  • 3 shallots, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp butter, divided
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 3/4 cup pistachios, deshelled
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tbsp of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized (about 10 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for about 3 minutes, until bright green.
  3. Transfer the green beans to a large bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain thoroughly.
  4. In a large skillet, melt the remaining 1 tbsp of butter over medium heat.
  5. Add the blanched green beans and sauté for 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the green beans from heat and transfer to a serving platter.
  6. Top with the caramelized shallots, Parmesan cheese, and pistachios.
  7. Finish with a sprinkle of lemon zest for a bright, fresh flavor.

Notes

With its balance of textures and flavors, this sautéed green beans recipe is a showstopper. It’s quick, easy, and versatile, making it a must-have for holiday spreads, Sunday dinners, or casual weeknight meals. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises delicious results every time.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 225Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 17mgSodium: 300mgCarbohydrates: 21gFiber: 7gSugar: 8gProtein: 9g
© Christopher

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