Tired of boring vegetable side dishes? Prepare to be amazed by these incredible green beans that transform a simple vegetable into a gourmet experience! Our Lemon Tahini Green Beans are not just a side dish – they're a flavor revolution that will transport your palate straight to the vibrant streets of the Middle East. With a creamy, tangy dressing that takes just minutes to prepare, this recipe proves that extraordinary flavor doesn't require complicated cooking skills.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by thoroughly washing the green beans under cool running water. Pat them dry with clean paper towels and trim off the tough stem ends using a sharp knife.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water to enhance the beans' flavor.
- Carefully add the trimmed green beans to the boiling water. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and crisp-tender, maintaining a slight crunch.
- While the beans are cooking, prepare the lemon tahini dressing. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together tahini, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Once the green beans are cooked, immediately drain them in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant green color.
- Transfer the blanched green beans to a serving platter or bowl. Drizzle the prepared lemon tahini dressing over the beans, ensuring even coverage.
- Gently toss the green beans to coat them completely with the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately while the beans are still warm, allowing the flavors of the tahini dressing to complement the fresh green beans.
Tips
- Blanching is Key: The secret to perfectly crisp-tender green beans is quick blanching. Watch your cooking time closely – 3-4 minutes is the sweet spot for maintaining that beautiful bright green color and ideal texture.
- Ice Bath Hack: If you want to prep ahead, after blanching, immediately plunge the beans into an ice water bath. This stops the cooking process and helps retain their vibrant color and crisp texture.
- Tahini Dressing Pro Tip: Whisk your tahini dressing thoroughly to prevent separation. If the dressing seems too thick, add a little warm water to achieve the perfect drizzling consistency.
- Freshness Matters: Choose fresh, firm green beans with a bright green color and no blemishes for the best results.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with toasted sesame seeds or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or mint before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 110kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
