I hope you all are off to a great start this year! I took time in December to get ready for the holidays and relax. I'm focusing on health/wellbeing so far this year and for me that means creating some healthier habits and making them more routine. I've started with diet, not that I'm following a known diet, just that I'm trying to make good choices that will benefit me going forward.
I feel best when I'm eating lots of fresh vegetables and fruit plus healthy fats and light protein - not groundbreaking news and probably the same things a lot of you are doing at the moment. So I want to focus on whole food recipes for January and share some as I go along.
Here is one of my favorites - I'm a green bean lover. This can be used alone as a side or as part of another salad such as Nicoise Salad (photo below). I'm sharing a vinaigrette recipe - which is fantastic - but if you are running short on time or ingredients use a splash of olive oil with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Then if that isn't working for you, use a store bought vinaigrette. I've tried them all and have not been disappointed.
Originally, this recipe came from a cooking class at Sur La Table taught by Chef Deborah Johnson in Atlanta. I have used it over and over for several years.
Green Beans Vinaigrette
INGREDIENTS
1 pound green beans, trimmed
2.5 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1.5 Tablespoons capers, chopped
1 Tablespoon fresh lemon, juiced
1 garlic clove, minced or crushed
1 Tablespoon fresh flat leaf parsley, chopped
1 Tablespoon fresh tarragon leaves, chopped (optional)
Salt and Pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Add olive oil, capers, lemon juice, garlic, parsley and tarragon (if using) into a bowl and whisk until thoroughly combined.
2. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a Tablespoon of salt to the water once it reaches a boil.
3. Boil the green beans until tender, around 4 to 5 minutes.
4. Drain the beans once they are tender and toss a few times to remove moisture.
5. Transfer beans into the vinaigrette and toss to coat. I use tongs for this.
6. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Happy New Year!
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