Green Beans with Tahini is a delightful side dish that combines crisp-tender green beans with a creamy tahini sauce. The tahini adds a rich, nutty flavor and smooth texture, perfectly complementing the freshness of the green beans. This dish offers a unique twist on a classic vegetable side, making it a great addition to any meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the dish warm or at room temperature, either as a side dish or as part of a larger meal. It pairs well with grilled meats, roasted poultry, or as a component of a vegetarian spread. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a drizzle of extra tahini for added flavor and presentation.
Pairing Ideas
This dish complements a range of main courses. It works well with grilled or roasted meats such as tex-mex beer can chicken, beef, or lamb, adding a creamy contrast to the savory flavors. It also pairs nicely with vegetarian dishes or grain-based sides like quinoa or couscous. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it alongside a hearty stew or a fresh salad.
Tips and Notes
- Green Beans: Use fresh green beans for the best texture and flavor. Trim the ends and cut them into bite-sized pieces if desired.
- Tahini Sauce: Adjust the thickness of the tahini sauce by adding water or lemon juice to achieve your preferred consistency. You can also add garlic or lemon zest for extra flavor.
- Cooking: Blanch the green beans in boiling water for a few minutes to keep them crisp-tender, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This helps retain their bright color and crunch.
- Storage: Store any leftover green beans and tahini sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the green beans gently, and stir the tahini sauce before using to ensure it’s smooth.
Enjoy the creamy and flavorful Green Beans as a delicious and unique addition to your meal!
Green Beans with Tahini
Equipment
- Large pot for blanching green beans
- Colander
- Small bowl for sauce
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans - trimmed
- 3 tablespoons tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove - minced
- 2 tablespoons warm water - more if needed
- Salt and black pepper - to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil - optional, for richness
- Toasted sesame seeds - for garnish
- Fresh parsley - chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and immediately plunge the beans into ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve their color. Drain again and set aside.
- Prepare the Tahini Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and warm water. Add more water as needed to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If desired, whisk in olive oil for added richness.
- Toss the Beans: Place the blanched green beans in a serving dish. Pour the tahini sauce over the beans, tossing gently to ensure they are well coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the green beans with toasted sesame seeds and, if using, chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately.