Imagine transforming ordinary green beans into a culinary masterpiece that will have your dinner guests begging for the recipe. These French-style haricots verts are not just a side dish – they're a flavor explosion that elevates any meal from mundane to magnificent! With a perfect balance of crisp texture and rich garlic flavor, this simple yet elegant recipe proves that gourmet cooking doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound French green beans (haricots verts)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Rinse the French green beans (haricots verts) under cold water to remove any dirt or impurities. Trim the ends of the beans by snapping them off or cutting them with a knife.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the green beans and blanch them for about 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. This step helps to preserve their vibrant color and fresh flavor.
- While the beans are blanching, prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with ice and cold water. Once the green beans are done, quickly transfer them to the ice bath using a slotted spoon to stop the cooking process. Let them sit in the ice bath for a few minutes.
- After the beans have cooled, drain them well and set aside. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently to prevent burning. The garlic should become fragrant but not browned.
- Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and toss them in the garlic oil. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are heated through and slightly tender.
- Season the green beans with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed, keeping in mind that the salt will enhance the natural flavors of the beans and garlic.
- Once the green beans are evenly coated and seasoned, remove the skillet from heat. Transfer the beans to a serving platter or bowl.
- Serve the Easy Garlic French Green Beans hot as a delicious side dish. Enjoy your meal!
Tips
- • Always use fresh haricots verts (French green beans) for the best flavor and texture. They're thinner and more tender than regular green beans. • The blanching step is crucial – it helps maintain the beans' bright green color and crisp texture. • Use a timer when sautéing garlic to prevent burning. 30 seconds is the sweet spot for maximum flavor without bitterness. • Pat the beans completely dry after blanching to ensure they sauté properly and don't become soggy. • For extra flavor, try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of toasted almonds just before serving. • Don't overcrowd the skillet when sautéing – this ensures each bean gets evenly coated with the garlic-infused olive oil.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 50kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
