Green Beans with Caramelized Pecans

Crisp green beans tossed with buttery caramelized pecans and shallots, creating a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. This elegant side dish combines fresh vegetables with candied nuts for a delicious complement to any meal.

8 servings
29 min

Ingredients

  • ½ cup pecan halves and pieces
  • pounds green beans
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • cup shallot
  • 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Heat oven to 350°F with rack in middle.

    5 min

  2. 2.

    Spread out pecans on a rimmed sheet pan and bake in oven until pale golden on inside, about 6 to 8 minutes. Cool and coarsely chop.

    8 min

  3. 3.

    Have ready a colander submerged in a large bowl of ice water. Cook beans in a 6- to 8-quart pot of well-salted boiling water, uncovered, until just tender, 5 to 8 minutes. Using a large slotted spoon and/or tongs, transfer beans to colander in ice water to stop cooking, then drain well and dry on towels.

    8 min

  4. 4.

    Heat butter in a 12- to 14-inch deep heavy skillet (preferably straight-sided) over moderately high heat until foam subsides, then add shallot and cook, stirring until pale golden, 2 to 3 minutes.

    3 min

  5. 5.

    Reduce heat to medium and stir in sugar until almost dissolved, then cook pecans, stirring, 1 minute.

    1 min

  6. 6.

    Add green beans, kosher salt, and pepper, and sauté beans, turning them with tongs, until heated through, 2 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a platter and serve.

    4 min