Green Bean Salad with Fennel and Toasted Pecan Dukkah Recipe

Green Bean Salad with Fennel and Toasted Pecan Dukkah Recipe

  • 3/4 cup pecans (3 ounces)
  • 3 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
  • Kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 1/2 pounds green beans, trimmed
  • 1 medium fennel bulb with fronds
  • Finely grated zest from 1 lemon
  • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  1. Preheat oven to 325ºF. Spread pecans on a rimmed baking sheet. Toast, tossing once, until fragrant and lightly golden, 8–10 minutes. Let cool completely.
  2. Meanwhile, toast sesame seeds in a medium skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden, about 5 minutes. Add coriander, cumin, and fennel seeds and toast, stirring frequently, until sesame seeds are golden and spices are fragrant, about 2 minutes more. Transfer to a plate and let cool completely.
  3. Coarsely chop 1/4 cup pecans; set aside. Pulse sesame seed mixture, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. pepper, and 1/2 cup pecans in a food processor until coarse, dry, and crumbly; do not let it become a paste.
  4. Cook green beans in a large pot of boiling salted water until crisp-tender, 5–7 minutes. Drain, then transfer immediately to a large bowl filled with ice water. Drain again and pat dry.
  5. Meanwhile, coarsely chop fennel fronds; set aside. Cut fennel bulb in half lengthwise, then thinly slice each half lengthwise.
  6. Whisk lemon zest, oil, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper in a large bowl. Add green beans, fennel bulb, and half of the dukkah and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer salad to a serving platter, then top with fennel fronds, remaining dukkah, and remaining 1/4 cup pecans.
  7. Dukkah can be made up to 3 days ahead; store in an airtight container at room temperature.