Imagine transforming ordinary green beans into a mouthwatering side dish that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds! This Green Beans with Glazed Onions recipe is not just another vegetable side - it's a culinary adventure that turns simple ingredients into a symphony of sweet, savory, and perfectly caramelized flavors. Whether you're a home cook looking to impress or someone who wants to make vegetables exciting again, this recipe is your golden ticket to vegetable greatness.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the fresh green beans thoroughly under cold running water. Trim off the tough ends of the beans by snapping or cutting them.
- Peel the onion and slice it into thin, uniform rings or half-rings to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
- Prepare a large pot of salted boiling water for blanching the green beans. Fill the pot about 2/3 full and add a pinch of salt.
- Add the green beans to the boiling water and cook for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and crisp-tender. Avoid overcooking to maintain their vibrant color and texture.
- Drain the green beans immediately and transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve their crisp texture. This technique is called blanching.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become soft and start to caramelize.
- Sprinkle brown sugar over the onions and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sugar to create a golden, glossy glaze.
- Drain the chilled green beans and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Add the blanched green beans to the skillet with glazed onions. Toss gently to coat the beans evenly with the caramelized onion glaze.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Transfer the glazed green beans to a serving platter and serve hot as a delicious side dish.
Tips
- Choose fresh, crisp green beans with a vibrant green color and no blemishes for the best results.
- Blanching is key - the ice water bath stops the cooking process and helps maintain that gorgeous bright green color.
- Use a medium-high heat when caramelizing onions to develop rich, deep flavors without burning.
- Don't rush the onion glazing process - patience creates that beautiful golden, sticky caramel coating.
- Pat the green beans completely dry after blanching to ensure they get a nice, even glaze and don't become watery.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of toasted almonds for added crunch.
- Serve immediately while the beans are hot and the glaze is still glossy for the most impressive presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 90kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
