Thanksgiving without delicious side dishes? That’s just unthinkable! Side dishes are like the supporting cast in a great movie; they elevate the whole experience and make the main event shine. Among my favorite Thanksgiving sides, green beans hold a special place in my heart. I remember my first Thanksgiving dinner where I made these fragrant sautéed green beans. The smell of garlic and toasted almonds wafting through the kitchen was just heavenly! They add a pop of color to the table and a fresh, crunchy texture that perfectly balances out the rich flavors of turkey and stuffing. Trust me, these green beans will quickly become a beloved staple on your Thanksgiving table too!
Ingredients for Green Beans Thanksgiving Side Dishes
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Green Beans Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Preparing these delightful green beans is super easy and quick, making it a perfect side dish for your Thanksgiving feast! Let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, you’ll want to trim the ends off the green beans. This little step makes a big difference in presentation and texture!
- Next, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. You want it hot enough to sauté, but not so hot that the garlic burns.
- Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Wow! The aroma will start to fill your kitchen.
- Now, toss in the trimmed green beans and cook them for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally until they turn bright green and are tender-crisp.
- After that, add the sliced almonds into the mix and cook for another 2 minutes, just until they’re lightly toasted. This will bring out their nutty flavor!
- Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir, and voila! Serve them warm, and get ready for the compliments!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, taking just 20 minutes from start to finish!
- Fresh, vibrant flavors that brighten up your Thanksgiving plate.
- Healthy and packed with nutrients, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
- The perfect balance of crisp green beans and crunchy almonds.
- Everyone will be asking for the recipe—trust me!
Tips for Success
To make sure your green beans are the star of the show, always opt for fresh ones! They’ll have that perfect crunch and vibrant color. If you love garlic like I do, feel free to adjust the amount to suit your taste—more garlic means more flavor! And don’t forget to keep an eye on those almonds while toasting; they can go from perfect to burnt in a flash! Enjoy these tips, and your green beans will shine at the Thanksgiving table!
Variations on Green Beans Thanksgiving Side Dishes
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many delicious ways to mix things up! Try adding crispy bacon for a savory twist that everyone will love. You could also swap out the sliced almonds for toasted pecans or walnuts for a different nutty flavor. Want a little heat? Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a kick! And for a zesty touch, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving can brighten everything up. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious green beans is easy! Just place any leftovers in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay good for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave them for a quick option—just cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Enjoy those tasty green beans all over again!
Nutritional Information
These sautéed green beans are not only delicious but also a healthy choice for your Thanksgiving spread! Each serving (about 1 cup) contains approximately 120 calories, 8g of fat, 3g of protein, and 10g of carbohydrates. Plus, with 4g of fiber, they’ll keep you feeling satisfied. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. So, you can enjoy this guilt-free dish while savoring every bite!
FAQ About Green Beans Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the green beans and sauté them up to a day in advance. Just store them in the fridge and reheat before serving for a quick and effortless addition to your Thanksgiving table.
What can I serve with green beans? These green beans pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes! They go great alongside traditional Thanksgiving favorites like turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes. You can also serve them with roasted chicken or grilled meats for a delightful contrast.
Can I use frozen green beans? Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before sautéing to prevent excess moisture. Fresh is ideal, but frozen will work in a pinch!
How do I keep them bright green? Cooking the green beans quickly over high heat helps retain their beautiful color and crispness. Avoid overcooking, and you’ll have vibrant green beans every time!
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Green Beans Thanksgiving Side Dishes: 5 Irresistible Tips
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious green beans recipe for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Trim the ends of the green beans.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add green beans and cook for 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in sliced almonds and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh green beans for best flavor.
- Adjust garlic quantity based on preference.
- Can be made ahead and reheated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: green beans thanksgiving side dishes
