Green Beans with Kalamata Olives

Green Beans with Kalamata Olives Recipe - Delicious and Flavorful

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Green Beans with Kalamata Olives is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the freshness of green beans with the briny flavor of kalamata olives. This recipe is perfect for a side dish or a light meal on its own.

History

Green beans with kalamata olives is a Mediterranean-inspired dish that brings together the flavors of Greece and Italy. The combination of green beans, tomatoes, olives, and pine nuts creates a dish that is both savory and satisfying.

Ingredients

0.25 cup of pine nuts
1 lb (454 g) of green beans
1 tsp of unsalted butter
1 tsp of olive oil
0.25 cup of minced onion
1 tbsp of minced garlic
0.5 cup of peeled, seeded and chopped tomatoes
0.25 cup of pitted and chopped kalamata olives

How to prepare

In a small, nonstick frying pan, toast the pine nuts until they turn golden brown.
Remove the pan from heat and set aside.
Trim the tips and tails off the green beans and cut them into 1.5 inch lengths. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the beans until they become tender but still firm, which should take about 7 minutes.
Drain the beans using a colander.
In a sauté pan, heat the butter and oil. Add the beans and sauté for 1 minute, then add the onion and cook until it becomes translucent, but not browned.
Add the garlic, tomatoes, and olives.
Sauté the mixture for 2-3 minutes.
Finally, add the toasted pine nuts and serve immediately.

Variations

Add feta cheese for a creamy and tangy twist.
Substitute black olives for kalamata olives for a milder flavor.
Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil for extra freshness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure not to overcook the green beans, as they should be tender but still firm.

- Toasting the pine nuts adds a nutty flavor to the dish.

- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.

- Adjust the amount of olives to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Green Beans with Kalamata Olives as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish. It also pairs well with a simple salad or crusty bread.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the green beans and other ingredients allows the flavors to meld together while still maintaining the freshness of the vegetables.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have pine nuts, you can substitute with slivered almonds or walnuts. You can also use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes.

Make Ahead Tips

You can blanch the green beans ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to sauté them with the other ingredients.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Green Beans with Kalamata Olives in a colorful serving dish garnished with fresh herbs or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red wine like Pinot Noir.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a sauté pan over medium heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of Green Beans with Kalamata Olives contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Green beans are a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for your body. This dish is a healthy option for those looking to incorporate more complex carbohydrates into their diet.

Fats

The fats in this dish come from the olive oil and pine nuts. These healthy fats are essential for brain function and overall health.

Proteins

While this dish is not high in protein, the pine nuts do provide a small amount of this essential nutrient.

Vitamins and minerals

Green beans are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like potassium and manganese. Olives are a good source of vitamin E and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (pine nuts) and olives, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Green Beans with Kalamata Olives is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins and minerals. It is a healthy option for those looking to incorporate more vegetables into their diet.

Summary

Green Beans with Kalamata Olives is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light meal or a side dish. With a balance of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals, this dish is a healthy option for any occasion. Enjoy the Mediterranean flavors of this delicious recipe!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Green Beans with Kalamata Olives. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my friend Sophia, who was a fabulous cook. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the most amazing aroma of garlic and fresh herbs. Sophia was busy at the stove, tossing green beans and olives in a skillet, and I couldn't help but ask her what she was making.

She smiled and told me that she was making one of her favorite side dishes - Green Beans with Kalamata Olives. She explained that it was a simple yet delicious recipe that she had picked up during a trip to Greece many years ago. Sophia had always been an adventurous traveler and her kitchen was filled with recipes and ingredients from all over the world.

As she continued to cook, I watched in awe as she effortlessly combined the green beans, olives, garlic, and herbs into a beautiful and fragrant dish. I could tell that this recipe was something special and I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself.

After enjoying a delicious meal together, Sophia graciously shared the recipe with me. She explained that the key to this dish was using fresh, high-quality ingredients and letting the flavors speak for themselves. I was excited to try it out in my own kitchen and share it with my family.

The next day, I gathered all the ingredients I needed and set to work making Green Beans with Kalamata Olives. As I cooked, I thought about the memories of my time with Sophia and how cooking had brought us closer together. The smell of the garlic and herbs filled my kitchen, transporting me back to that warm summer day with my dear friend.

When the dish was finally ready, I plated it up and took a bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth - the crisp green beans, the briny olives, the earthy garlic, and the fresh herbs all worked together in perfect harmony. I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen for years to come.

Since that day, I have made Green Beans with Kalamata Olives countless times for my family and friends. Each time I cook it, I am reminded of the special bond I share with Sophia and how cooking has the power to bring people together.

As I sit down to enjoy a plate of this delicious dish once again, I can't help but feel grateful for the wonderful recipe that my friend shared with me. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, but it is the stories and memories behind the recipes that make them truly special. And this recipe for Green Beans with Kalamata Olives will always hold a special place in my heart.