A vibrant, festive side dish perfect for holiday gatherings, this recipe combines the crunch of roasted green beans with the tangy sweetness of cranberries and the nutty flavor of walnuts. The addition of lemon zest and juice adds a fresh, zesty note that complements each element beautifully.
Most ingredients for this recipe are common and easily available in any supermarket. However, it's important to choose fresh, crisp green beans for the best flavor and texture. Dried cranberries may be found in the dried fruit aisle or baking section. Also, ensure you pick up walnuts, which are usually found in the nuts section or baking aisle.
Ingredients for Roasted Green Beans with Cranberries and Walnuts
Green beans: These are the star of the dish, providing a crunchy texture and mild flavor.
Olive oil: Used to roast the beans and give them a rich, savory taste.
Garlic: Adds a hit of strong, pungent flavor.
Salt and pepper: Seasonings to enhance all the other flavors.
Sugar: Just a touch to balance the tartness of the cranberries.
Lemon zest and lemon juice: Provides a fresh, tangy note.
Dried cranberries: These add a touch of sweetness and a chewy texture.
Walnuts: Give a nutty flavor and a crunchy texture.
One reader, Frederick Shay says:
This roasted green beans with cranberries and walnuts recipe is a game-changer! The combination of flavors is simply divine. The green beans are perfectly roasted, and the addition of cranberries and walnuts adds a delightful sweetness and crunch. It's a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their vegetable game.
Cooking Techniques for Roasted Green Beans with Cranberries and Walnuts
How to roast walnuts: Roast the walnuts on a baking sheet at 350°F until fragrant, about 5 to 10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
How to rehydrate dried cranberries: Place the dried cranberries in a small heatproof bowl and cover them with boiling water. Let them sit for a few minutes to plump up, then drain them before using in the recipe.
How to roast green beans: Toss the green beans with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and sugar directly on a foil-lined baking sheet. Roast at 450°F for 15 minutes, then stir and continue roasting until tender and slightly browned, about 10 minutes more.
How to adjust seasoning: After adding the lemon zest, lemon juice, cranberries, and walnuts to the green beans, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as needed.
How To Make Roasted Green Beans with Cranberries and Walnuts
These roasted green beans are packed with flavors from the tart cranberries and crunchy toasted walnuts, to yield a more mouthwatering side dish!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2lbsfresh green beans,stem ends trimmed
- 2tbspextra virgin olive oil
- 3garlic cloves,peeled and sliced into quarters
- 1¼tspkosher salt
- ½tspground black pepper
- ¼tspsugar
- 1tsplemon zest
- 2tsplemon juice
- ½cupdried cranberries
- ½cupwalnuts
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and set an oven rack in the middle position. Line a rimmed baking sheet with heavy-duty aluminum foil.
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Place the walnuts on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 5 to 10 minutes, until fragrant. Keep a close eye on the nuts so they don’t burn.
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When cool enough to handle, transfer the nuts to a cutting board and coarsely chop.
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Place the foil back on the baking sheet and increase the oven temperature to 450 degrees F.
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Place the cranberries in a small heatproof bowl. Cover the cranberries with boiling water and set aside.
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Directly on the foil-lined baking sheet, use a rubber spatula to toss the green beans with the olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and sugar.
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Roast the green beans for 15 minutes, then stir with a spatula to promote even cooking. Continue roasting for about 10 minutes more, until the beans are tender, slightly browned and just starting to shrivel.
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Drain the cranberries.
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Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, drained cranberries, and toasted walnuts to the green beans. Toss well, then taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
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Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 92.90kcal
- Fat: 3.91g
- Saturated Fat: 0.55g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.51g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.66g
- Carbohydrates: 14.90g
- Fiber: 3.60g
- Sugar: 8.81g
- Protein: 2.21g
- Sodium: 296.54mg
- Calcium: 46.26mg
- Potassium: 251.63mg
- Iron: 1.27mg
- Vitamin A: 39.74µg
- Vitamin C: 15.02mg
Pro Tip for Perfectly Roasted Green Beans
When roasting green beans, it's important to spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet. This allows the heat to circulate evenly, ensuring that all the beans are cooked uniformly. If the beans are piled on top of each other, they may steam instead of roast, resulting in a different texture and flavor. Also, stirring the beans halfway through the cooking process promotes even browning and prevents them from sticking to the foil.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Roasted Green Bean Recipe
Prep ahead: Wash and trim the green beans and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also pre-toast the walnuts and store them in a sealed container at room temperature.
Use pre-chopped garlic: Save time by using pre-chopped garlic from the store instead of mincing fresh garlic cloves.
Multi-task: While the walnuts are toasting in the oven, you can prepare the other ingredients to maximize efficiency.
Quick soak: Instead of soaking the cranberries in boiling water, you can microwave them with a little water for a quick soak.
Streamline seasoning: Combine the olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and sugar in a small bowl ahead of time to streamline the seasoning process.
Substitute Ingredients For Roasted Green Beans with Cranberries and Walnuts Recipe
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fresh green beans – Substitute with asparagus: Asparagus has a similar texture and can be roasted with the same seasonings for a delicious alternative.
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extra virgin olive oil – Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a suitable replacement for roasting.
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garlic – Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, slightly sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients in the dish.
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kosher salt – Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity to season the dish.
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ground black pepper – Substitute with crushed red pepper flakes: This substitution adds a hint of heat and a different flavor profile to the dish.
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sugar – Substitute with honey: Honey can add a touch of sweetness and caramelization to the roasted ingredients.
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lemon zest – Substitute with orange zest: Orange zest provides a citrusy aroma and flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
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lemon juice – Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar adds a tangy acidity that complements the roasted flavors.
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dried cranberries – Substitute with dried cherries: Dried cherries offer a similar tartness and sweetness to complement the dish.
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walnuts – Substitute with pecans: Pecans have a similar texture and flavor profile, adding a delicious nuttiness to the dish.
Presentation Ideas for Roasted Green Beans with Cranberries and Walnuts
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Elevate the green beans: Arrange the roasted green beans in a circular motion on the plate, creating a visually appealing base for the dish.
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Garnish with cranberries and walnuts: Sprinkle the dried cranberries and chopped walnuts over the green beans, ensuring an even distribution for a balanced flavor profile.
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Drizzle with lemon-infused oil: Drizzle a small amount of lemon-infused extra virgin olive oil over the green beans, cranberries, and walnuts to add a hint of citrusy brightness to the dish.
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Use a minimalist plating approach: Embrace a minimalist plating style, allowing the vibrant colors of the green beans, cranberries, and walnuts to shine through without overwhelming the plate.
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Incorporate negative space: Utilize negative space on the plate to create a sense of balance and elegance, allowing the dish to stand out and capture attention.
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Add a touch of fresh herbs: Garnish the dish with a few sprigs of fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to introduce a pop of color and a subtle herbal aroma.
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Consider plate geometry: Experiment with plate geometry, such as using a square or rectangular plate, to create a modern and sophisticated presentation that complements the ingredients.
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Emphasize texture: Highlight the contrasting textures of the dish by layering the green beans, cranberries, and walnuts strategically on the plate, creating a visually dynamic presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Roasted Green Bean Dish
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Oven: An essential appliance for baking, roasting, and toasting ingredients. It provides consistent heat for cooking a wide variety of dishes.
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Baking sheet: A flat, metal tray used for baking and roasting in the oven. It helps to evenly cook and brown the food.
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Aluminum foil: A versatile kitchen item used for lining baking sheets, covering dishes, and wrapping food for storage. It helps in easy cleanup and prevents food from sticking.
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Cutting board: A sturdy surface for cutting, chopping, and preparing ingredients. It protects countertops and provides a safe area for food preparation.
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Rubber spatula: A flexible kitchen tool used for mixing, scraping, and spreading. It is ideal for tossing ingredients and ensuring even coating.
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Small heatproof bowl: A heat-resistant bowl suitable for holding hot liquids or ingredients. It is used for soaking or marinating foods.
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Saucepan: A cooking pot with a handle and often a lid, used for heating or cooking sauces, boiling water, or preparing small batches of food.
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Cutting board: A sturdy surface for cutting, chopping, and preparing ingredients. It protects countertops and provides a safe area for food preparation.
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Knife: A sharp tool for slicing and chopping ingredients. It is essential for preparing vegetables, fruits, and nuts.
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Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking. They ensure precise quantities for the recipe.
Storing and Freezing Roasted Green Beans with Cranberries and Walnuts
- Let the roasted green beans cool completely before storing. This will help prevent them from becoming soggy or mushy.
- Transfer the cooled green beans to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing.
- If you plan to consume the roasted green beans within 3-4 days, you can store them in the refrigerator. They will maintain their quality and flavor during this time.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the roasted green beans for up to 2 months. To do this, spread the cooled beans on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place them in the freezer until they are frozen solid. This will help prevent the beans from clumping together.
- Once the green beans are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy reference.
- When you're ready to enjoy the frozen roasted green beans, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. You can reheat them in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until they are warmed through.
- Keep in mind that the texture of the green beans may change slightly after freezing and thawing. They may become softer and less crisp compared to freshly roasted beans.
- If you want to maintain the crunchiness of the walnuts, it's best to store them separately from the green beans. You can add the toasted walnuts just before serving to preserve their texture.
How To Reheat Leftover Roasted Green Beans
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To reheat leftover roasted green beans with cranberries and walnuts, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the green beans evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and reheat for 8-10 minutes, or until the green beans are heated through and the walnuts are fragrant. This method helps to maintain the texture and flavor of the roasted green beans while ensuring that the cranberries and walnuts don't become soggy.
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Another option is to reheat the roasted green beans in a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil or butter. Once the oil or butter is hot, add the leftover green beans, cranberries, and walnuts to the skillet. Stir the mixture gently, ensuring that the ingredients are evenly distributed. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the green beans are heated through and the walnuts are lightly toasted. This method allows you to quickly reheat the dish while adding a slight crunch to the walnuts.
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For a quick and convenient reheating method, you can use the microwave. Place the leftover roasted green beans with cranberries and walnuts in a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture. Microwave on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until the green beans are heated through. Stir the mixture halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating. Keep in mind that microwaving may cause the walnuts to soften slightly, but the dish will still retain its overall flavor.
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If you want to add a fresh twist to your leftover roasted green beans, consider repurposing them into a warm salad. In a large bowl, combine the reheated green beans, cranberries, and walnuts with some fresh baby spinach or arugula. Drizzle the salad with a light vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and honey. Toss the ingredients together until evenly coated. This method allows you to enjoy the flavors of the original dish while introducing new textures and flavors from the fresh greens and tangy vinaigrette.
Interesting Trivia About Roasted Green Beans with Cranberries and Walnuts
The roasted green beans with cranberries and walnuts recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The addition of cranberries provides a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory green beans, while the walnuts contribute a satisfying crunch. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a healthy and vibrant side dish for any meal. The lemon zest and juice add a refreshing citrusy note, elevating the overall flavor profile. Whether served as a side dish or a standalone snack, this recipe is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Budget-Friendly: Making Roasted Green Beans at Home
This roasted green beans with cranberries and walnuts recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Green beans are affordable and nutritious, while cranberries and walnuts can be bought in bulk for a reasonable price. The use of simple ingredients like olive oil and lemon adds flavor without breaking the bank. Overall, I would rate this recipe an 8 for cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10, making it a budget-friendly and delicious option for a family meal.
Is This Roasted Green Bean Recipe Healthy or Not?
This roasted green beans recipe is a healthy and nutritious side dish. The green beans are a great source of fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and calcium. The olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats, while the garlic offers antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The lemon zest and juice add a burst of vitamin C and a bright, fresh flavor. Walnuts contribute heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and antioxidants, while dried cranberries provide a touch of natural sweetness and additional fiber.
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of salt to lower the sodium content. You can always add more to taste after roasting.
- Use a light drizzle of olive oil to minimize added fats, or opt for a cooking spray to evenly coat the green beans.
- Increase the amount of garlic for added flavor and health benefits.
- Experiment with other nuts like almonds or pecans for variety and different nutrient profiles.
- Add other vegetables to the mix, such as sliced red onions or cherry tomatoes, to boost the overall nutrient content and create a more colorful dish.
- Consider using fresh cranberries instead of dried for a tarter flavor and lower sugar content. If using fresh, add them in the last 5 minutes of roasting to prevent them from burning.
Editor's Opinion on This Roasted Green Bean, Cranberry, and Walnut Recipe
The combination of roasted green beans with cranberries and walnuts creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The green beans are perfectly roasted to bring out their natural sweetness, while the cranberries add a touch of tartness and the walnuts provide a satisfying crunch. The addition of garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice elevates the dish with bright, zesty notes. This recipe is a wonderful way to showcase the freshness of green beans and is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Enhance Your Roasted Green Beans with Cranberries and Walnuts Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Roasted Green Beans with Cranberries and Walnuts Recipe:
This roasted green beans with cranberries and walnuts recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The fresh green beans are roasted to perfection, creating a tender yet slightly crispy bite. The addition of dried cranberries brings a touch of sweetness, while the toasted walnuts provide a satisfying crunch. The use of extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice adds a refreshing and zesty note to the dish. With a balance of savory, sweet, and tangy elements, this recipe promises a delightful and wholesome dining experience.
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