Ever craved a side dish that’s both sophisticated and ready in minutes? These Brown Butter Green Beans with Hazelnut Dukkah are your answer! Silky textures meet bold spices in this simple yet stunning recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests at your next dinner party. Inspired by the rich flavors of Mediterranean cuisine, let’s explore this dish’s magic!
Why You’ll Love This Brown Butter Green Beans Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with this incredible side dish. It’s not just delicious; it’s also:
- Ready in under 20 minutes.
- Packed with layers of nutty, savory flavor.
- A fantastic way to elevate simple green beans.
- Budget-friendly and uses easy-to-find ingredients.
- Creates an aroma that fills your kitchen with warmth.
- Simple enough for even beginner cooks.
- Naturally gluten-free.
Ingredients Needed for Brown Butter Green Beans with Hazelnut Dukkah
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this flavorful dish. Remember to use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results!
For the Green Beans:
- 1 pound (450g) green beans, trimmed. Choose fresh, vibrant green beans for the best texture and flavor.
- 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter. Opt for European-style butter for a richer, nuttier flavor when browned.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced. Freshly minced garlic provides the most potent aroma and taste.
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice. Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for a brighter, zesty flavor.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Season generously to enhance all the flavors.
For the Hazelnut Dukkah:
- 1/2 cup (70g) hazelnuts, toasted. Toasting the hazelnuts brings out their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
- 1/4 cup (35g) sesame seeds, toasted. Toasting sesame seeds deepens their flavor and adds a nutty note.
- 2 tablespoons (12g) coriander seeds, toasted. Toasting coriander seeds releases their aromatic oils and enhances their citrusy, warm flavor.
- 1 tablespoon (6g) cumin seeds, toasted. Toasting cumin seeds intensifies their earthy, warm flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon (3g) sea salt. Sea salt provides a clean, briny flavor that enhances the other ingredients.
- 1/4 teaspoon (1g) black pepper. Freshly ground black pepper adds a touch of spice and complexity.
Essential Equipment List
Make sure you have these essential tools on hand before you start cooking. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable!
- Large pot: For boiling the green beans quickly and efficiently.
- Skillet: A 10-inch skillet is perfect for browning the butter and tossing the green beans.
- Food processor: To grind the hazelnuts and spices into a coarse dukkah.
- Colander: For draining the green beans after boiling.
- Serving dish: To present your beautiful green beans.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty: Easy
This recipe is easily scalable – double or triple the ingredients to serve a larger crowd!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Brown Butter Green Beans
Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Brown Butter Green Beans with Hazelnut Dukkah every time!
Prepare the Hazelnut Dukkah
- In a food processor, combine the toasted hazelnuts, sesame seeds, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, salt, and pepper. Pulse until coarsely ground. Be careful not to over-process; you want a textured dukkah, not a paste.
- Set aside the hazelnut dukkah. This fragrant mixture will add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the green beans.
Cook the Green Beans
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Adding salt to the water helps to season the green beans evenly.
- Add the green beans and cook for 3-5 minutes, until bright green and crisp-tender. Overcooking will result in mushy green beans, so keep a close eye on them.
- Drain immediately and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This ensures the green beans retain their vibrant color and crisp texture. Pat dry with paper towels.
Brown the Butter
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Use a light-colored skillet so you can easily monitor the browning process.
- Continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter turns a nutty brown color and has a fragrant aroma (about 3-5 minutes). This step is crucial for adding a rich, complex flavor to the dish. Be careful not to burn it.
Add Garlic
- Add the minced garlic to the browned butter and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Cooking the garlic in browned butter infuses it with a rich, nutty flavor.
Combine and Season
- Add the cooked green beans to the skillet with the browned butter and garlic. Toss to coat evenly.
- Stir in the lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, until heated through. The lemon juice adds a bright, zesty counterpoint to the rich butter and nutty dukkah.
Serve
- Transfer the green beans to a serving dish. Sprinkle generously with the hazelnut dukkah.
- Enjoy immediately. The combination of warm green beans and crunchy dukkah is best enjoyed fresh.
CHECK OUT: Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe – A comforting and flavorful meal that pairs perfectly with these green beans.
Tips for Success
Here are some expert tips to ensure your Brown Butter Green Beans with Hazelnut Dukkah are a triumph!
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Cook the green beans in batches if necessary to ensure they brown evenly.
- Watch the butter carefully: Browned butter can quickly turn burnt. Keep a close eye on it and remove from heat as soon as it reaches a nutty brown color.
- Toast the nuts and seeds: Toasting enhances the flavor and adds a pleasant crunch to the dukkah.
- Dry the green beans thoroughly: Patting the green beans dry after boiling helps them to brown better in the skillet.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to taste, depending on your preference.
Variations & Substitutions
Customize this recipe to suit your tastes and dietary needs with these simple variations:
-
- Add red pepper flakes: For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the browned butter.
- Use different nuts: Substitute almonds, walnuts, or pistachios for the hazelnuts in the dukkah.
- Add herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary can be added to the green beans for extra flavor.

- Make it vegan: Use plant-based butter and ensure your salt and pepper are vegan-friendly.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Brown Butter Green Beans
These Brown Butter Green Beans with Hazelnut Dukkah are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses:
- Grilled salmon: The rich flavor of the green beans complements the delicate taste of salmon.
- Roasted chicken: Serve alongside roasted chicken for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Steak: The nutty, savory flavors of the green beans are a perfect match for a juicy steak.
- Quinoa salad: Add these green beans to a quinoa salad for extra flavor and nutrients.
Health Benefits
These green beans aren’t just delicious; they’re also packed with nutrients. Green beans are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber. Hazelnuts provide healthy fats and antioxidants. This dish is a great way to add essential nutrients to your diet while enjoying a flavorful and satisfying side.
Storage & Reheating
Here’s how to properly store and reheat your Brown Butter Green Beans with Hazelnut Dukkah to maintain their flavor and texture:
- Storage: Store leftover green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the green beans in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the green beans may change.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent the butter from burning?
Keep the heat at medium and swirl the pan frequently to ensure even cooking. Watch the butter closely and remove from heat as soon as it turns a nutty brown color.
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans, but they may not be as crisp as fresh green beans. Thaw and pat dry before cooking.
Can I make the dukkah ahead of time?
Absolutely! The hazelnut dukkah can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
What if I don’t have a food processor?
You can use a mortar and pestle or finely chop the hazelnuts and spices by hand. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes, feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or asparagus. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
Nutritional Information
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 15g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 7g
Please note that nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and cooking methods.
Craving More? Explore These Delicious Dishes!
If you loved this Brown Butter Green Beans with Hazelnut Dukkah, here are a few more recipes you might enjoy:
- German Chocolate Poke Cake – A classic dessert with a rich, chocolatey flavor.
- Creamy Chicken Salad – A versatile and flavorful salad perfect for sandwiches or snacking.
- Butternut Squash with Brown Butter Hazelnuts – A seasonal dish with a similar nutty, savory profile.
Conclusion
These Brown Butter Green Beans with Hazelnut Dukkah are fast, flavorful, and sure to be a hit with everyone! Whip them up tonight and tag us with your culinary masterpiece!
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Brown Butter Green Beans with Hazelnut Dukkah
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Elevate green beans with nutty brown butter and crunchy hazelnut dukkah.
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup hazelnuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds, toasted
- 2 tablespoons coriander seeds, toasted
- 1 tablespoon cumin seeds, toasted
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Hazelnut Dukkah: In a food processor, combine the toasted hazelnuts, sesame seeds, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, salt, and pepper. Pulse until coarsely ground. Set aside.
- Cook the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3-5 minutes, until bright green and crisp-tender. Drain immediately and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Pat dry.
- Brown the Butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter turns a nutty brown color and has a fragrant aroma (about 3-5 minutes). Be careful not to burn it.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the browned butter and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Combine: Add the cooked green beans to the skillet with the browned butter and garlic. Toss to coat.
- Season: Stir in the lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, until heated through.
- Serve: Transfer the green beans to a serving dish. Sprinkle generously with the hazelnut dukkah.
- Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Dukkah can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter for a vegan version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sauté
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250 cal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: green beans, brown butter, hazelnut, dukkah, side dish, vegetable