Spring Green Bean Goodness

Recipe provided by Jana from A Doctor and a Nurse

Green beans are a delightful vegetable that offer us fresh, wholesome nutrition. The flavorful beans are low in calories and contain many good-for-you nutrients like vitamins C, K and A and also provide a healthy dose of fiber, protein and bone-building calcium. The high fiber content in green beans aids in digestion and lowers cholesterol while the serving of protein helps your body strengthen, repair and build tissue. The superstar veg also gets a gold medal for their antioxidant value which helps support your immune system.

With spring peeking its head out from the clouds it’s time to start planning your summer garden which must include this easy to grow vegetable.  Sautéed garlic green beans with walnuts is a rich and flavorful vegetarian dish that will inspire you to plant fresh green beans in that garden you’ve been thinking about starting.  Garlic and shallots add spice and healthy handful of walnuts adds unparalleled richness to a light, spring dish. Sautéed Garlic Green Beans with Walnuts is simply divine.  Enjoy this simple vegetable side!

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1-2 cloves of garlic, sliced
• 8 ounces green beans, trimmed
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 3 Tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• 1 shallot, minced
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta (optional)
• 1 lemon

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and salt it.  Fill a bowl with ice water.  Add beans to boiling water and cook until bright green but still firm (about 2 minutes).  Drain and transfer beans to the ice water. When the beans are cool, drain.
2. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan combine 1/2 of the olive oil and sliced garlic, sauté for one minute.  Add walnuts and shallot and sauté until shallot is tender.
3. Heat the rest of the oil in a skillet and add the beans and sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Toss beans continuously until tender crisp (about 7 minutes). Top the beans with the garlic walnut mixture.  Sprinkle with feta cheese.
4. Grate the zest of one lemon over the top of the beans and give one good squeeze of the lemon to taste.

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