Green Beans with Pecans and Date Syrup

Written by
Miri Rotkovitz
Registered dietician, teacher, and award-winning cookbook author who has been exploring Jewish cuisine for almost 20 years.
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Miri Rotkovitz
Updated 04/14/19
Green Beans with Pecans and Date Syrup
Miri Rotkovitz
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 6 mins
Total: 16 mins
Servings: 4 to 6 servings
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
296 Calories
17g Fat
14g Carbs
23g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 to 6
Amount per serving
Calories 296
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 17g 21%
Saturated Fat 4g 22%
Cholesterol 67mg 22%
Sodium 120mg 5%
Total Carbohydrate 14g 5%
Dietary Fiber 1g 3%
Protein 23g
Calcium 56mg 4%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Plain steamed green beans are nice, but when you can dress them up as quickly and easily as this, why not? After a quick saute with garlic and olive oil, they're tossed with toasted pecans and a drizzle of date syrup, (also known as date honey, or silan). The result is more savory than sweet, and totally delectable.

Make It A Meal: Date syrup may be a traditional Middle Eastern ingredient, but these beans go well with a variety of cuisines. Try them as a complement to Indian-Spiced Salmon and Turmeric Rice with Golden Raisins. Or, for a totally vegan meal, serve alongside Vegetable and Chickpea Tagine with Couscous, then finish with Pomegranate Granita. 

Ingredient Tip: Date syrup is available in Middle Eastern markets, specialty stores, and many supermarkets with well-stocked international or kosher sections. Some brands cut their syrup with water and additional sweeteners, such as glucose. For the best flavor and quality, try to find a syrup that contains 100% dates, such as the organic offerings from Date Lady or Lior. They're a bit more expensive, but well worth it, both in terms of flavor and nutrition. 

Ingredients

  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 large cloves garlic, peeled and finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup chopped toasted pecans (unsalted)
  • 2 tablespoons date syrup (aka silan or date honey), plus extra for drizzling
  • Coarse salt and freshly cracked black pepper

Steps to Make It

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

  2. Add the green beans and cook until bright green and crisp-tender, about 3 to 4 minutes.

  3. Drain and set aside.

  4. In a chef's pan or large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat.

  5. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 to 60 seconds.

  6. Add the green beans and pecans and sauté to coat with the oil.

  7. Drizzle with the date syrup, toss together quickly, and remove from the heat. 

  8. Transfer to a serving platter or bowl.

  9. Drizzle with additional date syrup if desired.

  10. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!