Effortless Green Beans: A Versatile Side Dish for Any Meal
Green beans are a staple in many cuisines, and for good reason. They’re easy to prepare, packed with nutrients, and pair well with a variety of dishes. Whether you’re looking for a simple side to complement your weeknight dinner or a delicious addition to your holiday feast, this recipe has got you covered.
Preparation is Key
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. By blanching the green beans in advance, you can quickly cook them to perfection when it’s time to serve. Simply refrigerate the blanched beans, bring them to room temperature, and pat them dry before finishing them off in a frying pan.
Customize to Your Liking
If you’re looking to recreate the classic TV dinner experience, try cutting the green beans into 2-inch pieces after blanching. This will give them a more uniform appearance, reminiscent of their frozen counterparts.
Recipe Highlights
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Difficulty: Easy
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds green beans, cleaned and trimmed
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 medium shallots, minced
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Blanching the Green Beans
- Prepare an ice water bath by filling a bowl halfway with ice and water. Set aside.
- Fill a medium saucepan with heavily salted water and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Add the green beans and cook until just tender, about 6 minutes.
- Drain the beans and place them in the ice water bath or under cold running water.
Finishing the Dish
- Heat the butter and oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
- When the butter foams, add the shallots and sauté until golden brown, about 3 minutes.
- Add the blanched green beans, tossing to coat in the butter and oil.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beans begin to color on the edges.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
With this easy recipe, you’ll be enjoying delicious, restaurant-quality green beans in no time!
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