Imagine transforming ordinary green beans into a restaurant-worthy side dish that will have everyone at your table asking, "Who's the chef?" This French-style green bean recipe is your secret weapon to turning a simple vegetable into a culinary masterpiece. With professional techniques that guarantee perfectly crisp, flavorful beans every single time, you'll be amazed at how such a simple recipe can create such an extraordinary dining experience.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb green beans, trimmed
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the green beans. Rinse them under cold water to remove any dirt or impurities. Trim the ends of the beans by snapping them off or using a sharp knife, ensuring they are all of uniform length for even cooking.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Once boiling, add a generous pinch of salt to the water. This will help to season the beans and enhance their color.
- Carefully add the trimmed green beans to the boiling water. Blanch the beans 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 beans are done blanching, use a slotted spoon to transfer them directly into the ice bath. This will stop the cooking process and set the color.
- After the beans have cooled for a few minutes in the ice bath, drain them well and set aside. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt completely and start to foam, but do not let it brown.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can turn bitter.
- Once the garlic is fragrant, add the blanched green beans to the skillet. Toss them gently in the garlic butter to coat evenly.
- Season the beans with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to sauté the beans for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through and slightly tender.
- Once the green beans are cooked to your desired tenderness, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the French cut green beans immediately, garnished with additional salt and pepper if desired.
Tips
- Always use fresh, crisp green beans for the best texture and flavor
- Don't skip the blanching and ice bath steps - they're crucial for maintaining vibrant color and perfect texture
- Use high-quality butter and fresh garlic for maximum flavor impact
- Watch your garlic carefully when sautéing to prevent burning
- Season gradually and taste as you go to achieve the perfect balance
- For extra flavor, consider adding toasted almonds or fresh herbs like parsley as a final garnish
- Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the beans at their peak temperature and crispness
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 70kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 2g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 10mg
