The holidays are upon us which means work potlucks, family gatherings, celebrations with friends and more! Looking for the perfect side dish to bring? Chef Ron is at your service with his Cacao Nib Studded Green Beans with Citrus Zest recipe. This refreshing dish is the perfect side to serve at your table. It’s also easy and different from any of the traditional items. Try it out and let us know what you think!

Cacao Nib Studded Green Beans

1 pound trimmed green beans
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/3 cup cacao nibs
¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
to taste ground black pepper
1 orange, zested, juiced
1 lemon, zested
to taste sea salt

Bring large pot of salted water to boil. Add green beans. Cook 2 minutes or until tender but still bright green in color. Drain in colander. Transfer to ice bath until well chilled. Drain again. Dry thoroughly with paper towels. Add 1 tablespoon oil to large sauté pan over medium heat. When hot, add cocoa nibs. Cook, stirring constantly for 2 minutes. Immediately stir in cardamom, pepper, orange zest and lemon zest. Transfer to side dish. Return sauté pan to medium high heat. Add remaining oil. Add green beans. Saute 2 minutes. Add orange juice. Cook 5 minutes or until orange juice evaporates. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to serving bowl. Sprinkle with reserved cacao nibs. Season with additional sea salt if needed.

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