Here’s a delicious recipe for Balsamic Green Beans with Pearl Onions:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup pearl onions (about 1/2 lb or 225 g), peeled (you can use frozen pearl onions if fresh aren’t available)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Green Beans and Pearl Onions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and crisp-tender.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the green beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let them cool, then drain and pat dry.
- If using frozen pearl onions, thaw them according to package instructions. If fresh, you may blanch them for 2 minutes in boiling water to loosen their skins and then peel.
- Sauté the Onions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pearl onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes until they are golden brown and tender.
- Add the Garlic:
- Add minced garlic to the skillet with the onions and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add the green beans to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the beans are heated through.
- Add Balsamic Glaze:
- Stir in the balsamic vinegar and honey. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the balsamic vinegar reduces slightly and coats the green beans and onions.
- Season and Garnish:
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If using, sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves and parsley before serving.
Tips:
- For added texture and flavor, you can sprinkle some toasted almonds or crumbled feta cheese on top before serving.
- This dish can be made ahead and gently reheated before serving.
Enjoy your balsamic green beans with pearl onions!
Green bean casserole is a classic holiday staple, beloved for its comforting flavors and ability to feed a crowd. Yet, if you’re looking to shake things up with a lighter, yet equally festive alternative, this recipe is a perfect choice.
To start, you’ll need to blanch your green beans to ensure they remain crisp-tender and vibrant. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, then add the green beans and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they’re bright green and slightly tender. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and preserve their color and texture. Drain and set aside.
Next, prepare the pearl onions. If you can’t find pearl onions, you can use regular onions, but pearl onions add a touch of elegance. In a skillet over medium heat, melt a generous amount of butter. Add the pearl onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they start to turn golden brown. This caramelization process adds a lovely depth of flavor to the dish.
Once the onions are caramelized, add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can become bitter. To create the glaze, pour in a splash of balsamic vinegar and add a pinch of sugar. The vinegar’s acidity and the sugar’s sweetness will balance each other, creating a syrupy sauce that beautifully coats the onions and green beans.
Stir the blanched green beans into the skillet, making sure they are well-coated with the balsamic glaze and caramelized onions. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the beans to heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
This dish pairs wonderfully with holiday roasts or as a standout side for any special occasion. The balsamic glaze adds a sophisticated twist to the classic green bean preparation, making it a refined and memorable addition to your Christmas table. You can also substitute French green beans (haricot verts) for an even more elegant touch, as they have a delicate texture and a slightly sweeter flavor.
In summary, this recipe brings a fresh and flavorful change to your holiday table, combining the richness of caramelized onions and the tangy sweetness of balsamic vinegar with crisp green beans. It’s a light yet indulgent alternative to traditional casseroles, perfect for those looking to enjoy a festive meal with a modern twist.
Balsamic Green Beans with Pearl Onions: A Perfect Holiday Side Dish
Elevate your holiday table with Balsamic Green Beans with Pearl Onions—a sophisticated side dish that marries elegance with simplicity. In just about 20 minutes, you can create a dish that’s both quick and refined, making it an ideal choice for any occasion, from festive gatherings to busy weeknights.
The combination of crisp green beans and tender pearl onions, all glazed in a tangy balsamic reduction, offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The balsamic vinegar adds a touch of sweetness and acidity, perfectly complementing the natural richness of the green beans and the subtle, savory sweetness of the pearl onions.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup pearl onions, peeled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and immediately transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.
- Cook the Pearl Onions: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the pearl onions and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and caramelize.
- Add the Green Beans: Add the green beans to the skillet with the pearl onions. Toss to combine and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the beans to heat through and absorb some of the flavors from the onions.
- Create the Balsamic Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar and honey. Pour the mixture over the green beans and onions in the skillet. Stir to coat everything evenly and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the balsamic glaze to reduce slightly and coat the vegetables.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired. Serve warm as a beautiful and flavorful side dish alongside your favorite holiday main course.
Balsamic Green Beans with Pearl Onions is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with beef, turkey, chicken, pork, duck, or ham. Its rich, tangy flavor profile and quick preparation make it a standout choice not only for holiday feasts but also for elegant weeknight dinners and special occasions year-round. Once you experience this recipe, you might just find yourself reaching for it more often than your traditional green bean casserole!
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