Green Beans and Broccoli with a Bacon Lemon Topping
Elevate your side dish game with this vibrant and zesty recipe for Green Beans and Broccoli with a Bacon Lemon Topping. Crisp-tender green beans and broccoli florets are perfectly blanched to preserve their bright color and crunch, then sautéed with fragrant garlic and a hint of spice. The real star, though, is the irresistible topping of golden-crispy bacon, zesty lemon zest, and tangy lemon juice, which adds a burst of flavor to every bite. Quick and easy to prepare in just 25 minutes, this dish is a delightful balance of smoky, savory, and refreshing flavors, making it the perfect accompaniment to everything from roasted chicken to grilled steak. Whether you're serving it at a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner, this versatile side dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams green beans, trimmed
- 300 grams broccoli florets
- 4 slices bacon strips, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water.
Blanch the green beans and broccoli florets in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Drain immediately and transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cool, drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Remove excess bacon grease from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon for cooking. Add the olive oil to the skillet and heat over medium. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the blanched green beans and broccoli to the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Toss to coat and cook for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are heated through.
Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the lemon zest, lemon juice, and crispy bacon bits over the vegetables. Toss everything together gently to combine.
Transfer the green beans and broccoli to a serving platter. Serve warm as a side dish to complement any main course.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
623 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 39.0 g | 50% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.6 g | 53% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 40 mg | 13% | |
| Sodium | 2493 mg | 108% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 48.1 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.9 g | 78% | |
| Total Sugars | 17.6 g | ||
| Protein | 38.5 g | 77% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 310 mg | 24% | |
| Iron | 7.4 mg | 41% | |
| Potassium | 1122 mg | 24% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
