MISO GREEN BEANS WITH ALMONDS

Miso lends a savory and umami profile to the beans, the scallions pack a punchy bite, and the almonds provide a crunch.  

After hearing about the health benefits of miso and finally finding miso paste at my local market, I realized I needed to find some recipes that use miso. First, I found the Miso-Marinated Flank Steak. To round out the meal, I then found this recipe. Since I was making a healthy entree, I wanted a healthy side that would compliment it. Using miso paste as the unifying element while dressing it up in two different ways yielded a harmonious umami explosion. 

Antioxidant-rich green beans are a good source of fiber and support metabolism and bone health. Miso is a complete protein with natural detoxifying properties that promotes a healthy gut and improved vitamin and mineral intake. So even if you don’t end up loving this recipe, your body love your for having eaten it.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 pounds fresh green beans
• Kosher salt, to taste
• 1/4 cup miso paste (red or white) 
• 3 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons thinly-sliced scallions, dark-green parts only, plus more for garnish
• 2 tablespoons Japanese prepared hot mustard (not wasabi), OR 1 tablespoon English mustard powder mixed with 1 tablespoon water, OR 1 tablespoon regular mustard
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/4 cup almonds, sliced or slivered (optional: toast them)

Preparation 

1. Bring large pot of salted water to boil.
2. Boil green beans until bright green and crisp (work in batches to avoid over-cooking).
3. Quickly transfer to a large bowl of ice water to cool to stop cooking.
4. Drain beans, trim ends, and cut in half diagonally. 
5. In a small bowl, whisk miso, scallions, vinegar, mustard, oil, and sugar in a small bowl with a fork. Add salt to your taste. 
6. Place green beans in a large bowl. Pour dressing over; toss to coat.
7. Garnish with almonds and sliced scallions.

Serves 8-10.

Alt Preparation: I also like to toss this dressing over sautéed beans and onion.

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Leftover Tip: Throw beans in a salad with Miso-Marinated Flank Steak, leftover rice, spinach, and a ginger dressing.

Source: Bon Appetit | Green Beans with Miso and Almonds