We’re well into fresh-from-the-garden green bean season, and green beans are one of my favorites. My usual preparation involves steaming them for a few minutes then slathering them in fresh butter and a sprinkle of salt in order to get them on the table as quickly as possible!
But occasionally, everyone needs a change of pace, so I recently tried these balsamic roasted green beans. Quite delicious, I must say. The balsamic cooks down into a syrupy glaze, and there’s a subtle sweetness that emerges after spending some time in the oven that I don’t get from the standard steaming.
In the summertime, simplicity is the name of the game, so these don’t require much in the way of prep time. Just cut the beans into pieces (or leave them whole for a more sophisticated presentation), toss them in a bowl with some olive oil, a quality balsamic vinegar, and your favorite spices. As always, measuring is optional!
Dump them onto a baking sheet and bake at 400 F for about 20 minutes (stirring once) to get beans with just a hint of crispiness. If you like them softer, tack on an extra five or ten minutes. Either way, I guarantee these balsamic roasted green beans will make it into your rotation!
Ingredients
- 1-2 pounds green beans, washed, trimmed, and cut into 2-3 inch pieces
- 1-2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1-2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt, pepper, or other spices and herbs, to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the beans, olive oil, vinegar, and seasonings. Toss to coat everything evenly.
- Preheat oven to 400 F.
- Put the beans onto a rimmed baking sheet, distributing evenly.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring after 10 minutes. Test for crispiness, and continue to bake in five minute increments until the beans meet your personal preference.
- Enjoy.
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