Green Beans in Olive Oil

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Green beans in olive oil is such a simple, yet universally pleasing, dish. Its fuss-free preparation means there's no longer any excuse not to include greens with your meal!

Beans also tend to be more popular with children than some other types of green vegetables, so this is a great dish for families. These green beans in olive oil are gently steamed before being tossed with oil and some salt. Steaming allows vegetables to retain more of their nutrients than boiling, where nutrients left in the cooking water are then discarded. The high heat of boiling can also damage the nutrition of delicate vegetables. It is far less difficult to overcook when steaming, thereby avoiding mushy and tasteless vegetables!

Depending on how much texture you like, you can steam your beans for a shorter or longer time than suggested below. For this recipe, I have used fine beans, which are thinner and more delicate, but if your green beans are thicker, they will require additional cook time to achieve the same texture.

For the best green beans in olive oil, I would recommend using a nice extra virgin oil with good flavour, as that is what you mostly taste. And the relatively neutral flavour of the beans allows it to pair well with most main courses, fish or meat.

Here's what you'll need for these green beans in olive oil:
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225g fine green beans
2-3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
A large pinch of sea salt, to taste

And here's what you'll need to do:

• Rinse and drain the beans.
• Cut the stalks off, and put them in a vegetable steaming basket, inside a small saucepan with lid, with about 1cm of water at the bottom.

• Cover the pan with a lid, and bring to the boil over high heat.
• Reduce the heat to medium low, so that the water is still bubbling, and steam is gently escaping from under the lid. Cook for about 5 minutes.
• Turn off the heat, let the beans rest for a minute or so, and remove the lid.
• Carefully life the steaming basked out of the pan, and allow it to cool further before transferring the beans to a serving dish.
• Drizzle over the olive oil, sprinkle on the salt, and toss together until all the beans are coated.

Green Beans in Olive Oil

By Wendy | Serves 4

This simple green beans in olive oil dish is an easy way to get your greens into any meal.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Serves: 4 as a side
Course: Side, Vegetable
Cuisine: Modern European
Tags: Green Beans, Steamed Greens

Ingredients

225g fine green beans
2-3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
A large pinch of sea salt, to taste

Method

1. Rinse and drain the beans.
2. Cut the stalks off, and put them in a vegetable steaming basket, inside a small saucepan with lid, with about 1cm of water at the bottom.
3. Cover the pan with a lid, and bring to the boil over high heat.
4. Reduce the heat to medium low, so that the water is still bubbling, and steam is gently escaping from under the lid. Cook for about 5 minutes.
5. Turn off the heat, let the beans rest for a minute or so, and remove the lid.
6. Carefully life the steaming basked out of the pan, and allow it to cool further before transferring the beans to a serving dish.
7. Drizzle over the olive oil, sprinkle on the salt, and toss together until all the beans are coated.

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