Imagine a side dish so irresistible that it steals the spotlight from your main course - that's exactly what this Green Beans with Garlic Scapes Aioli promises! Forget boring, bland vegetables; this recipe transforms humble green beans into a culinary masterpiece that's simultaneously elegant, zesty, and packed with vibrant flavors. Whether you're a home cook looking to impress or a veggie enthusiast seeking a gourmet twist, this dish will revolutionize the way you think about green beans.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans
- 1/2 cup garlic scapes, chopped
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the green beans thoroughly under cold running water. Trim the stem ends and remove any blemished or stringy parts.
- Prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with cold water and ice cubes. This will be used to stop the cooking process and maintain the beans' vibrant green color.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the green beans and cook for approximately 3-4 minutes until they are crisp-tender and bright green.
- Using tongs or a slotted spoon, immediately transfer the blanched green beans to the prepared ice bath. Let them sit for 2-3 minutes to cool and halt the cooking process.
- While the beans are cooling, prepare the garlic scapes aioli. Finely chop the garlic scapes into small, uniform pieces.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, chopped garlic scapes, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the ingredients are well incorporated and smooth.
- Drain the cooled green beans thoroughly and pat them dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels.
- Transfer the green beans to a serving platter and drizzle the garlic scapes aioli over the top, or serve the aioli on the side as a dipping sauce.
- Garnish with additional chopped garlic scapes or fresh cracked black pepper if desired. Serve immediately while the beans are still warm.
Tips
- Always use the freshest green beans possible for the best texture and flavor.
- Don't overcook the beans - the key is achieving that perfect crisp-tender consistency.
- The ice bath is crucial: it stops the cooking process and locks in that beautiful bright green color.
- For extra flavor, consider toasting the chopped garlic scapes lightly in a dry pan before mixing into the aioli.
- If garlic scapes are unavailable, you can substitute with minced fresh garlic or green onions.
- Serve the aioli slightly chilled for a refreshing contrast to the warm beans.
- For a dairy-free version, use vegan mayonnaise as a substitute.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 80kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 5mg
