DIJON MAPLE GREEN BEANS

And it goes by Dijon Maple Green Beans with Caramelized Pecans, Bacon and Feta.  Not your grandmother’s green beans.

DIJON MAPLE GREEN BEANS

 

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 lbs. fresh green beans, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 shallot, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• dash of red pepper
• 
  Dijon Maple Sauce
• 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 
  Garnish
• 1/3 cup caramelized pecans, chopped or to taste
• 1/4 cup Feta cheese or to taste
• 8 slices bacon, crumbled or taste

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a small bowl, mix together the Dijon Maple Sauce ingredients. Set aside.
2. Blanch green beans in a large stock pot of salted boiling water for 2 minutes. Drain and transfer beans to a large bowl of ice water.
3. Melt butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Add shallots, garlic and red pepper flakes and saute for 1 minute. Add beans and Dijon Maple Sauce and continue to saute until beans are evenly coated in the sauce and beans and cooked to desired crisp-tenderness.
4. Taste and season with additional red pepper flakes and freshly cracked salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with caramelized pecans, bacon and Feta.

NOTES

I tend to like more Dijon Maple Sauce than some, so you might want to Double the Dijon Maple Sauce and add to taste.