Green beans or string beans are everywhere now.  I love them roasted, blanched or sautéed.  By themselves, these long, lean soldiers stand up to a variety of flavors – they go well with spicy, salty, sweet and sour accompaniments.  They are a great finger food, too, that promotes slow, mindful eating.  I am always looking for ways to slow down my eating and string beans offer that savor one-at-a-time opportunity.  I am a mindful eating fan and incorporate it into my practice and life whenever possible.

The naked green bean is very low calorie with 44 calories per cup and about 3 grams of fiber  – and zero fat, cholesterol or sodium.  When shopping for green beans look for no blemishes and a uniform green color.  Check the snap – if you bend one and it snaps easily, that’s a good bean!

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For today’s recipe, let’s combine green beans with another of my favorite mindful foods –pistachios.  I love that shelling pistachios takes time and allows you to count how many you are eating at one sitting.  With 49 pistachios in an ounce, there’s enough to satisfy your appetite for a while.  Plus, they contain healthy fats, good-quality protein and fiber, which makes for sustained energy and blood sugar control.

 Curried Greens Beans and Pistachios

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Serves 4 (1/2 cup each)

Ingredients

2 pounds fresh string beans, trimmed

2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 cloves of garlic, chopped

1 ounce (49) Lightly Salted Wonderful® Pistachios,* shelled and coarsely chopped

2 teaspoons curry powder

Pinch of salt to taste

Directions

Place green beans in a colander and douse with boiling hot water to blanch them.   Set aside.

In a pan over medium heat, drizzle in olive oil and add garlic to lightly saute.   Once golden brown, add green beans and pistachios.  Mix until coated with the oil-garlic combination.  Sprinkle in the curry powder and salt.  Toss to coat and remove from heat.  Serve as a side dish to grilled salmon, chicken breast or pork loin or pack  to enjoy later as a tasty snack.

Nutrition Information (per 1/2 cup serving):  Calories: 120, Total Fat: 10 g, Saturated Fat: 1 g, Trans Fat: 0 g,   Cholesterol: 0 mg , Sodium: 28 mg, Total Carbohydrate: 7 g, Dietary Fiber: 3, Sugars: 1 g, Protein: 3 g    

*I am a big fan and spokesperson for Wonderful Pistachios.

Enjoy eating simply,

– Vicki