These delicate French green beans, known as haricots verts, bring elegance to any dinner table in just 20 minutes. With their tender-crisp texture and graceful presentation, they offer the perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. A nutritious side dish that delivers only 92 calories per serving while providing essential vitamins A and C, these refined green beans will elevate your dining experience from ordinary to extraordinary.
Ingredients List
- French Green Beans: 1 pound, select firm and small ones for best texture
- Water: 2 cups, for initial cooking
- Butter: 3 tablespoons, adds rich flavor
- Shallot: 1, peeled and finely chopped
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon, adjust to taste
- Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon, freshly ground for best flavor
- Lemon Juice: 1 teaspoon, adds fresh brightness
Cooking Instructions
- Initial Cooking: Place beans in large skillet with water, bring to boil over medium-high heat. Cook for 5 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Drain: Remove beans from water and set aside while preparing the seasoning.
- Prepare Seasoning: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté chopped shallots for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Final Touch: Return beans to skillet, toss with butter-shallot mixture. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh lemon juice.
- Storage: Keep in refrigerator for 3-5 days. Enjoy either reheated or cold in salads.
Cooking Techniques
Blanching these lovely French green beans gives them that perfect tender-crisp texture! The quick boil followed by draining helps keep their beautiful bright green color and fresh taste. The secret to success? Don’t overcook them – 5 minutes is just right. When you add the shallots and butter at the end, they’ll soak up all that wonderful flavor while staying nice and crispy.
Smart Substitutions
No shallots? No problem! You can use 2 tablespoons of finely minced sweet onion instead. If you’re looking to make this dairy-free, try olive oil or your favorite plant-based butter. Regular green beans work great too – they might just need an extra minute or two of cooking time since they’re usually a bit thicker than French varieties.
Serving Ideas
These green beans are so versatile! Serve them hot as a side dish with roasted chicken or grilled fish. They’re amazing cold too – try them in a Niçoise-style salad with eggs and potatoes. For a pretty presentation, sprinkle some toasted almonds on top, or add a handful of cherry tomatoes for a pop of color.
Storage and Leftovers
These tasty beans keep well in an airtight container in your fridge for 3-5 days. They’re just as good cold as they are warm! For the best texture when reheating, pop them in the microwave for just 20-30 seconds. Try adding leftover beans to your lunch salad or grain bowl for an extra veggie boost.
French Green Beans (Haricots Verts)
Equipment
- Large skillet
Ingredients
- 2 cup water
- 1 pound French green beans firm and small
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 shallot peeled and chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Place beans in a large skillet. Add 2 cups water to the skillet.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until barely tender, but still crisp. About 5 minutes, tossing occasionally.
- Drain beans and water and set aside.
- Add butter to the skillet over medium heat. Once melted add the shallots and saute for 1 minute.
- Add the beans and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- Store cooked green beans in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Reheat for a few seconds in the microwave or enjoy cold. I love to eat them cold on a salad.
