Green Beans with Sun-dried Tomatoes, Garlic & Almonds

Fresh and tender green beans get jazzed up with golden toasted garlic coins, sun-dried tomatoes, crisp sliced almonds, and a bright kick of lemon. The flavor combo is a bold balance with the garlic, tomatoes, and lemon, while the textures of chewy tomatoes, crisp almonds, and toothsome green beans strike a harmonious chord. 

At home, we call these "Green Beans Ginzadine." We Christened them with that ridiculous name back when I came up with the recipe in college, so, um, yeah, in the last century. The name stuck, and so has the preparation, which has barely changed aside from the brightening addition of lemon. The number of times I've made this recipe is in the triple digits. Needless to say, it has stood the test of time and is now one of my kiddo's most requested sides. He says the sun-dried tomatoes taste like bacon, which won him over.

Today, I pass this family heirloom recipe on to you. 

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Chef's Notes:

• Green beans are considered fair game by many Paleo dieters, who otherwise avoid beans. the level of anti-nutrients in green beans are comparatively very, very low, and further diminished via cooking. Green beans also differ from dried beans in that we eat the whole pod, which comprises their bulk, and does not contain significant amounts of "anti-nutrients" (like phytates) which are found in more significant amounts in other types of beans.
• Tomatoes are in the nightshade family and should be avoided by those who are sensitive to them, or those who are on a strict elimination diet like AIP. Feel free to prepare this recipe without the tomatoes if you like, or check out my nightshade-free recipe for Roasted Green Beans with Mushrooms and Bacon. 

Thyroid-healthy Recipe Highlights:

• Green Beans: A 1 cup serving of green beans contains key thyroid-supporting nutrients like Iron (5% DV), Magnesium (6% DV), Vitamin C (20% DV), and Vitamin A (17% DV), as well as 4 grams of dietary fiber. Green beans are also one of the best dietary sources of silica, which can support hair growth, skin health, and nail health. 
• Garlic has many powerful healing properties, which can aid or alleviate some of the symptoms of thyroid conditions such as inflammation, cardiovascular issues, decreased immunity, and increased infection. It can also support the liver in its detoxification efforts.
• Tomatoes are a good source of key thyroid nutrients like vitamin A, Iron, and fiber. They are a very good source of vitamin C. A study recently shared in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism stated, “In patients with hypothyroidism and gastrointestinal pathology, vitamin C improves the abnormalities in serum free T4, T3, and TSH concentrations.”
• Sea salt is a natural source of iodine as well as numerous other bioavailable trace minerals.

Happy cooking, happy thriving, and enjoy the recipe (below)!

P.S. Need more thyroid-friendly recipe inspiration? I’ve got you covered. My Thyroid-friendly Everyday eCookbook features over 50 quick and easy, thyroid-friendly recipes your whole family will love. To take a peek at what’s inside, CLICK HERE.

 

Suggested Accompaniments:

• Loaded Mediterranean Salmon
• Chicken Saltimbocca
• AIP Lamb Sausage
• Stuffed Delicata Squash
• Lemon Dill Chicken
• Chicken and Lamb Pesto Meatloaf