Green beans, also known as string beans or snap beans, are the vibrant, crunchy stars of the vegetable world. Whether you're munching them raw, steaming them to tender perfection, or incorporating them into a hearty casserole, green beans bring a fresh, lively touch to any meal.
menu_book The Basics of Green Beans:
Fresh and Crisp:
When selecting green beans, look for ones that are firm, bright green, and free from blemishes. They should snap cleanly when broken in half.
Fresh green beans have a mild, sweet taste with a crisp texture that’s perfect for both raw and cooked dishes.
Quick Prep:
Trim the ends before cooking—this can be done in a snap (pun intended)! You can also remove the stringy seam if your beans have one, although most modern varieties are stringless.
Rinse them well to remove any dirt or debris before cooking.
menu_book Tips and Final Touches:
Blanching Brilliance: To keep green beans bright green and crisp, blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes, then plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process.
Season Generously: Green beans have a mild flavor that benefits from bold seasonings like garlic, lemon, and herbs. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and sauces.
Mix and Match: Combine green beans with other veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or onions for a colorful and flavorful medley.
Mustard Green Beans
description Description
Turn ordinary green beans into a spectacular side dish with this easy and delicious Mustard Green Beans recipe. The secret ingredient? A zesty mustard butter infused with white wine for a rich and tangy finish. Here’s how to do it:
Quick Tips:
Customize Your Flavor: Feel free to experiment with different mustards or add extra herbs to the butter for a unique twist.
Blanching Time: Adjust the blanching time based on how tender you like your green beans.
Wine Choices: Use any wine you enjoy drinking—it’ll enhance the dish with its own distinct flavor.
kitchen Ingredients
Some
Green-beans
1/4
cup
Butter
1
Tbsp
Cream
1
Tbsp
Dijon Mustard
1
clove
Garlic
1
tsp
Parsley
¼
tsp
Honey
2
drops
Worcestershire
2
oz
White Wine
to
taste
Pepper
menu_book Directions
Prepare the Mustard Butter:
Cream the Butter: Start by creaming the softened butter to make it smooth and ready to absorb flavors.
Add Flavorings: Mix in minced garlic, chopped parsley, whole grain Dijon mustard, a dash of pepper, a touch of honey, and a drop or two of Worcestershire sauce. This creates a flavorful mustard butter that will coat the beans beautifully.
Prep the Green Beans:
Trim the Beans: Remove the tips and ends of the green beans. This step is optional, but it adds a nice touch of symmetry.
Blanch the Beans: Cook the green beans in boiling water for about 5 minutes or until they reach your desired texture—soft yet slightly crisp.
Cook the Green Beans:
Heat the Pan: In a pan over medium heat, melt enough mustard butter to coat the green beans.
Sauté the Beans: Add the blanched green beans to the pan and sauté them until they are blistered and slightly caramelized.
Finish with Wine:
De-glaze the Pan: Pour in some white wine (or your favorite type) to de-glaze the pan, lifting up all the flavorful bits.
Let it Evaporate: Allow the wine to cook off, leaving behind a delicious glaze.