Green Beans with Caramelized-Shallot 'Butter'

Here's a classic Thanksgiving side dish with a vegan tweak or two.

Melt 1 tablespoon plus 3/4 tsp. vegan butter (such as Earth Balance) in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 cup sliced shallots and saute for 4 minutes. Stir in 2 and 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar and cook for a final 1 and 1/2 minutes - I nearly forgot this step, but remembered at the last second!

Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon chopped thyme, 1/2 tsp. grated lemon rind, 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1/8 tsp. black pepper. Set aside.

Meanwhile, cook 1 pound of trimmed green beans (about 5 cups) in boiling water for 3 minutes. Drain, then transfer to a large bowl. Add the shallot mixture and toss well to coat. The quantities here make enough for 5, 1 cup servings, but the recipe doubles easily for a holiday crowd. Each serving is 90 calories.

Cost:
shallots $0.96
thyme $2.49
lemon $0.79
green beans $7.98