This simple recipe proves that orange can make a regular side dish really delicious …
“This is arguably too simple a recipe, but I wanted to remind people that the addition of orange can make a mundane side really delicious. You can swap out the green beans for any greens you fancy – I dressed some broccoli this way last week and it was just as delicious.” @kittycoles
Orange, garlic and butter-dressed green beans
Serves 2 generously or 4 as a side
Ingredients
• 30g salted butter
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, thinly sliced
• About 10-15 grinds of black pepper
• 1 tsp fennel seeds
• A pinch of chilli flakes (I like Aleppo)
• Juice and zest of 1/2 an orange or 1 tangerine/easy peeler (Tip: if you can get hold of a blood orange, use it here)
• A splash of apple cider vinegar
• 200g fine green beans
• A generous grating of Parmesan (optional)
Method
1. In a small saucepan on a medium heat, add the butter and 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Once the butter has melted, add the garlic and allow to gently cook in the butter for a minute before adding the chilli flakes, freshly ground black pepper and fennel seeds to toast for another minute.
2. Take it off the heat and add the orange zest followed by the juice and vinegar. Taste for seasoning as it may need more salt depending on your butter brand. Feel free to add more vinegar or orange zest.
3. Using a small, sharp knife, trim the ends off the French beans. Bring plenty of unsalted water to the boil in a large saucepan, blanch the beans in the water for 4 minutes, then drain into a colander before tipping back into the pot. Pour over the warm butter dressing and give it a good toss before piling onto a plate and grating over the Parmesan. I like this on the side of some simply cooked fish or chicken, or with a boiled egg and bread to soak up the butter dressing.
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