This may be unpopular for me to say, but I despise green bean casserole. Seriously not into it at all. I love green beans, though! If you want a lighter, non-casserole green bean dish for your holiday table, this might be the answer!

This recipe will work with any variety of fresh green bean, but I prefer Chinese long beans. They have a better texture, in my opinion, than regular green beans and they don’t get mushy. I just wash them and cut them to my desired length prior to cooking.

You will need the following:

• 1 pound fresh green beans
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 Tbsp honey
• the zest and juice of half an orange
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds
• sea salt to taste

Directions:

1. Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet. Add green beans and saute over medium heat until they begin to blister. About four minutes. Add minced garlic and saute two minutes more.
2. Pour about half a cup of water into the pan and continue to saute using the steam to soften the green beans.
3. Add honey and toss well. Next add orange zest, juice and almonds and continue to saute for another 4-5 minutes. Salt to taste and serve.

Such a simple dish to make with maximum impact! I can’t wait to hear what you think! Swearing Mom out.

Don’t be intimidated by the length of these beans! They are SO delicious. If they are available, I would encourage you to give them a shot!

Glistening and just blistered, these beans are ready to be dressed!

Beautiful and local raw honey!

The orange zest really brightens the flavors in this dish!

Slivered almonds for the win! You can’t go wrong with these!