I finally perfected steamed green beans–a simple task that somehow confounded me for ages. (Don’t ask.) The problem is that I love steamed green beans so much that I’m disinclined to serve them any other way now–and simple steamed beans are seriously too plain Jane for company. So I am looking for some other flavors to sweep me out of my happy green bean rut–this recipe from Eating Well magazine may have me pointed in the right direction.

INGREDIENTS
1 pound green beans, trimmed
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest
1/4 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste
1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted (see Tip)

Place a steamer basket in a large saucepan, add 1 inch of water and bring to a boil. Put green beans in the basket and steam until tender, about 6 minutes. Toss the green beans in a large bowl with oil, orange zest, salt, pepper and almonds.

Tip: To toast sliced almonds, place in a small dry skillet and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly browned, 2 to 4 minutes.

Yields 4 servings, 1 cup each.

Nutrition per serving: 84 calories; 4 g fat (0 g saturated fat, 3g mono unsaturated fat); 0 mg cholesterol; 10 g carbohydrates; 3 g protein; 4 g fiber; 147 mg sodium; 206 mg potassium
Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin C (20% daily value), Vitamin A (15% dv).

Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 fat.

Carbohydrate Servings: 1/2.

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