Looking to elevate your vegetable game? Discover the vibrant flavors of "Green Beans with Cumin and Fennel," a Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s not just a side but a star on your dinner table! With its delightful combination of aromatic spices and tender-crisp green beans, this recipe promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up a dish that’s bursting with flavor and nutrition. Ready to take your cooking to the next level? Let’s dive into this easy yet sophisticated recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Wash the green beans thoroughly under cold running water, then trim off the ends using a sharp knife. Pat the beans dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Place a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the cumin seeds and fennel seeds, toasting them dry for about 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant and release their aromatic oils. Stir constantly to prevent burning.
- Add olive oil to the pan with the toasted seeds. Allow the oil to heat up for about 30 seconds, which will help infuse the oil with the spice flavors.
- Add the prepared green beans to the skillet. Toss them gently to coat evenly with the spiced oil, ensuring all beans are well distributed in the pan.
- Sprinkle salt over the beans, adjusting to your taste preference. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until the beans are tender-crisp and slightly blistered.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a serving platter. Let the beans rest for 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot as a side dish, garnishing with additional toasted seeds if desired.
Tips
- Freshness Matters: Choose vibrant, fresh green beans for the best flavor and texture. Look for beans that are firm and snap easily when bent.
- Toast the Spices: Don’t skip the step of toasting the cumin and fennel seeds. This process enhances their flavors and adds a delightful aroma to your dish.
- Adjust the Salt: Start with a small amount of salt and adjust to your taste as you cook. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
- Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the green beans while cooking. You want them to be tender-crisp, so taste them a minute or two before the end of the cooking time to ensure they’re just right.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: For an added touch, consider garnishing your dish with a sprinkle of extra toasted cumin or fennel seeds before serving. It not only looks appealing but enhances the flavors as well.
- Pairing Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as part of a Mediterranean platter. Consider serving it alongside roasted chicken or fish for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 70kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
