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String Beans with Fresh Oil-Free Basil Pesto

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 pounds fresh, green beans, trimmed
Pesto
  • 2 cups fresh basil, tightly packed and dried
  • 2-3 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1/3 cup pine nuts (and a few for garnish)
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup vegetable broth (or more if needed)
  • Salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • Teaspoon lemon zest for garnish (optional)

Method
 

Steps
  1. Bring a large pot of water to a full boil over high heat.
  2. Add the beans and cook until bright green, tender and still crisp. Approximately 4-5 minutes.
  3. Transfer the string beans to an ice bath to stop the cooking. Put them in a large bowl and pat them dry before dressing.
  4. Zest your lemon if using.
  5. Add all the pesto ingredients to a food processor and combine. Add more vegetable broth if too thick. Taste and adjust the seasoning adding salt and ground black pepper.
  6. Combine some of the pesto to the string beans making sure not to overdress. Garnish with some extra pine nuts and lemon zest.