Citrus Almond Green Beans

One of my 'new habits' (NO resolutions here this year, only new HABITS!) is trying to get more vegetables into everyday life.  We do alright now, but it's easy to skip thinking about vegetables when meal planning & I get bored quickly with plain 'ol salads.

So, after having delicious, almond-filled fresh greens beans at my mother in law's house recently (I went back for seconds & thought about thirds!), I decided to give it a go myself.  It takes a few minutes to put together this side, but the method is very simple & the result is worth the time!

These greens beans still have some snap, the caramelized onions add sweet comfort, the burst of citrus juice & zest add brightness & the nutty boost from the almonds is awesome.  I have come to prefer vegetables that still have some freshness & crunch to them & this recipe delivers.  Until recently, I had never tried making fresh greens beans, but after trying this method a few times, realizing it's actually easy & loving the results, I'm not sure if I'll pop open another can again!

Easy Citrus Almond Green Beans

2 tablespoons butter (divided into 1 tablespoon & 1 tablespoon)

1/3 onion, diced very small

Coconut Oil Spray

12 oz. Green Beans, washed & trimmed

1/4 cup chicken broth

1 teaspoon zest & 1 tablespoon juice from an orange (lemon or other citrus fruit may be substituted)

1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted

Using a skillet with a lid, turner burner on to low heat & melt 1 tablespoon butter.  Add onion & cook for 5 - 10 minutes until they just begin to caramelize.  Add 2 -3 sprays of coconut oil if needed. 

Add trimmed green beans, spritz 2 - 3 times with coconut oil & turn burner up to high,  Saute for 3 -5 minutes, until green beans begin to soften.  Add chicken broth, put the lid on & lower heat to medium high.  Check after 10 minutes.  Once the liquid is absorbed & the green beans are tender (this may take up 15/20 minutes total cooking time, so check often after the 10 minute mark) they are ready to be topped.

Once green beans are softened, melt in second tablespoon of butter & then toss with orange zest, juice & toasted almonds.  Cook for just a minute or two long, so everything incorporates & the orange juice is absorbed.  Serve!

Yield: 2 -4 servings