Micro-Steamed Green Beans With Olives and Almonds Recipe

The combination of olives and almonds -- briny and soft vs. brittle and sweet -- is a welcome surprise here. Yes, you can cook green beans in the microwave -- which might be a culinary gee-whiz moment for some folks. This recipe gives a fairly broad range of cooking times; in testing, we found 3

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The combination of olives and almonds -- briny and soft vs. brittle and sweet -- is a welcome surprise here.

Yes, you can cook green beans in the microwave -- which might be a culinary gee-whiz moment for some folks. This recipe gives a fairly broad range of cooking times; in testing, we found 3 1/2 minutes to be about right. Be warned: Beans cooked this way might not be quite as tender as the blanched-and-ice-bath-shocked beans you might be used to making.

Adapted from "The Food Lab," by J. Kenji López-Alt (W.W. Norton, 2015).

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Ingredients

measuring cup

Servings: 2-3

Directions

  • Step 1

    Place the green beans in an even layer on a large microwave-safe plate. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Lay a triple layer of damp paper towels on top of the beans, completely covering them, or cover with a clean, damp kitchen towel. Microwave on HIGH until the beans are bright green and tender but still crisp -- 2 1/2 to 6 minutes, depending on the power of your microwave -- stopping to check them along the way. Transfer to a large bowl.

  • Step 2

    Add the olives, almonds, oil, parsley and lemon juice to the beans and toss to incorporate. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Serve right away.

  • Step 3

    NOTE: Toast the almonds in a small, dry skillet over medium-low heat for several minutes, until fragrant and lightly browned, shaking the pan as needed to avoid scorching. Cool completely before using.

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    Nutritional Facts

    Per serving (based on 3)

    • Calories

      110

    • Fat

      9 g

    • Saturated Fat

      1 g

    • Carbohydrates

      7 g

    • Sodium

      135 mg

    • Protein

      2 g

    • Fiber

      3 g

    • Sugar

      3 g

    This analysis is an estimate based on available ingredients and this preparation. It should not substitute for a dietitian’s or nutritionist’s advice.

    Adapted from "The Food Lab," by J. Kenji López-Alt (W.W. Norton, 2015).

    Tested by T. Susan Chang.

    Published October 11, 2015

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