It can be tough to find a healthy side at the many holiday dinners that we attend. Over the last couple of years, I’ve made it a sort of tradition to show up with the one healthy side that almost no one else wants to eat.
There is always broccoli… baked in a vat of Velveeta and rice. Sweet potatoes buried under a mountain of toasted marshmallows. And even though my immediate family didn’t participate in the tradition that is green bean casserole, I do run into it other places. Not a fan, I tell you. Not a fan.
So my “naked” green veggies show up on a small platter as a small treasure to the 1 or 2 others that are looking to get through the day a little lighter. They’re roasted just until fork tender but still firm. The lemon makes a light, bright addition next to a plate full of heavier sides. And after a nice helping of green beans, you’ve got an excuse to have a second slice of pie 🙂
Roasted Green Beans
A light & healthy side dish, green beans roasted with citrus.
Ingredients
- 1lb green beans
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 cloves garlic, sliced
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425.
- Heat the olive oil, red pepper flakes, and garlic over medium heat until the garlic browns.
- Turn off the heat and remove the garlic with a slotted spoon.
- Add green beans to the pan, toss to coat, and transfer to a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 minutes.
- Toss with lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Serve garnished with lemon zest.
Notes
Yields: 4 servings
Estimated time: 20 minutes
i love roasted string beans, it is really the only way i cook them anymore. they are so delicious that way!
Roasted is my fav way to enjoy string beans!
Roasted is one of our favorite ways to prepare fresh green beans. Although, I’ve never tried adding lemon. I’ll do that next time!
I roast almost all of my veggies at some point or another but have actually never roasted green beans! Can’t wait to try it.
Those red pepper flakes should make these green beans really pop! I agree about the green bean casserole.
I would say one of the most beautiful green beans I’ve ever seen. I think I’m going to try this recipe!
I’m always the one bringing the green veggie too… I bet the lemon in these is pretty welcome next to all the cream and butter that usually goes into holiday meals!
So you make these at home? How do you reheat at the party? Do they get soggy?
You can stick the platter/plate in the oven, foil-covered for a few minutes or go microwave. You have to try pretty hard or over-microwave them to make them soggy.
I hate all that heavy Thanksgiving food! I’ve been trying to keep it light for years (except my husband loves gravy!) and these green beans seem ‘special’ for a holiday! I’ll be trying these this week to see, but I’m pretty sure they’ll make the cut!