Green Beans With Orange Essence and Toasted Pecans

Submitted by mamere94

"Easy yet flavorful green beans make a great side dish, especially great for holiday meals. Originally published Nov 2003 in Cooks Illustrated, republished in Costco's Connection magazine in 2011"

 

• Ready In: 30mins
• Ingredients: 12
• Serves: 8

ingredients

• 3⁄4 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 shallots, minced
• 2⁄3 teaspoon orange zest
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1⁄2 lbs green beans
• 2⁄3 cup chicken broth
• 1⁄3 cup orange juice
• 1 teaspoon fresh sage, minced
• salt & pepper

directions

1. Toast pecans in 12" non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, about 3 minutes or until fragrant. Stir in maple syrup, 1 tbsp butter, and 1/8 tsp salt. Stir constantly until nuts are dry and glossy, then transfer to plate and set aside.
2. Wipe out skillet. Melt remaining 2 tbsp butter in skillet over medium heat. Add shallots, orange zest, and pinch of cayenne pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 2 minutes or until shallots are softened. Stir in flour until combined, then add green beans. Add chicken broth, orange juice, and sage. Increase heat to medium-high, cover, and cook until beans are crisp-tender (about 4 minutes).
3. Uncover and cook about 4 minutes, until beans are tender and sauce has slightly thickened. Remove from heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to serving dish, sprinkle with pecans, and serve.