Green Beans with Sweet and Sour Red Onions
Elevate your side dish game with Green Beans with Sweet and Sour Red Onions – a vibrant and flavorful recipe that perfectly balances crisp-tender green beans with the tangy sweetness of caramelized red onions. Featuring a simple yet luscious sauce made with balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option), and garlic, this dish combines fresh, wholesome ingredients with a gourmet twist. A quick blanch and ice bath for the green beans preserve their vibrant color and crunch, while the skillet-simmered onions pack in layers of sweet and tangy complexity. Finish the dish with a sprinkle of toasted almonds for a delightful crunch and serve it as a versatile side for any meal. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings, delivering both ease and elegance to your table.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 450 grams green beans
- 1 large red onion
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1.5 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 60 milliliters water
- 2 tablespoons toasted almonds (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. While waiting for the water, trim the ends of the green beans.
Once the water is boiling, add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes, until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
Peel the red onion, cut it in half, and thinly slice into half-moons. Mince the garlic cloves.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the sliced red onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions start to soften and caramelize.
Add the garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
Stir in the balsamic vinegar, honey, water, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken slightly and coat the onions.
Drain the green beans from the ice water and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Add the green beans to the skillet with the onions and toss to coat evenly in the sweet and sour sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Transfer the green beans and onions to a serving platter. If desired, sprinkle with toasted almonds for added texture and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
162 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 8.7 g | 11% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.2 g | 6% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 254 mg | 11% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 20.5 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.1 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.1 g | ||
| Protein | 3.5 g | 7% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 67 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 1.5 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 336 mg | 7% | |
*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.
