Boiled Green Beans with Maitre D'Hotel Butter

Boiled Green Beans with Maitre D'Hotel Butter Recipe from France

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Boiled Green Beans with Maitre D'Hotel Butter is a classic dish that combines the fresh, crisp taste of green beans with the rich, aromatic flavor of Maitre D'Hotel Butter. This dish is perfect for those who appreciate the simplicity of vegetables while enjoying a touch of gourmet sophistication. The recipe is straightforward, making it accessible to cooks of all levels, and it serves as a versatile side that complements a wide range of main courses.

History

The concept of Maitre D'Hotel Butter, also known as Maître d'Hôtel sauce, originates from France. It is a compound butter that includes lemon juice and parsley, offering a simple yet elegant way to enhance the flavor of vegetables, fish, and meats. The pairing of this butter with green beans has been a long-standing tradition in French cuisine, celebrated for its balance of flavors and textures. Over time, this recipe has crossed borders, gaining popularity in various cuisines around the world.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) green beans
0.5 cup softened butter
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp finely chopped parsley
x salt and pepper

How to prepare

In a bowl, mix together the softened butter, chopped parsley, and half of the lemon juice. Shape the mixture into a patty and wrap it in aluminum foil. Refrigerate for at least an hour. Wash the green beans and then drain them. Break the green beans into two pieces. In a large pot, bring five cups of water or stock to a boil. Season with salt and pepper. Add the green beans and let them simmer over medium heat for 15 – 20 minutes. Drain the green beans well and transfer them to a serving dish. Drizzle with the remaining half of the lemon juice and some butter. Toss the green beans to coat them. Before serving, top the green beans with the parsley butter.

Variations

For a vegan version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a touch of nutritional yeast for added flavor. Adding slivered almonds or walnuts can introduce a delightful crunch and additional nutrients.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the green beans maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture, consider blanching them in boiling water for a few minutes before shocking them in ice water. This process stops the cooking immediately, preserving their appealing appearance and bite. Additionally, when preparing the Maitre D'Hotel Butter, ensure the butter is at room temperature to mix easily with the other ingredients, creating a smooth and homogenous mixture.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted meats, such as chicken, beef, or lamb. It also complements fish dishes, providing a refreshing contrast to the richness of seafood.

Cooking Techniques

Blanching and shocking the green beans, as mentioned, is a technique that preserves their color and texture. For the Maitre D'Hotel Butter, thoroughly mixing the ingredients to ensure even distribution of flavors is key.

Ingredient Substitutions

If parsley is not available, other fresh herbs like chives or tarragon can be used in the butter for a different flavor profile. Lemon zest can also be added for an extra citrus kick.

Make Ahead Tips

The Maitre D'Hotel Butter can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for longer storage. The green beans can be blanched ahead of time and quickly reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the green beans on a platter with dollops of the Maitre D'Hotel Butter melting on top. Garnish with lemon slices and a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley for a visually appealing dish.

Pairing Recommendations

A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay, pairs wonderfully with this dish, complementing its buttery and citrus notes.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover green beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat to avoid overcooking the beans.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Boiled Green Beans with Maitre D'Hotel Butter contains approximately 150 calories. The majority of these calories come from the fats in the butter.

Carbohydrates

Green beans are a low-carbohydrate vegetable, making this dish an excellent choice for those monitoring their carb intake. A serving of this recipe contains approximately 8 grams of carbohydrates, primarily from the green beans themselves.

Fats

The majority of the fat in this recipe comes from the butter used to make the Maitre D'Hotel Butter. A serving contains about 15 grams of fat, most of which is saturated. Using unsalted butter can help control the sodium content, and for a healthier option, one could consider substituting part of the butter with olive oil.

Proteins

This dish is not a significant source of protein, containing about 2 grams per serving. It is best served alongside a protein-rich main dish to ensure a balanced meal.

Vitamins and minerals

Green beans are an excellent source of vitamins C and K, as well as folate and manganese. This dish provides a good portion of these nutrients, contributing to overall health and well-being.

Alergens

The primary allergen in this recipe is dairy, from the butter. Those with a dairy allergy or intolerance should consider dairy-free butter alternatives.

Summary

Overall, Boiled Green Beans with Maitre D'Hotel Butter is a moderately low-calorie side dish that offers a good balance of vitamins and minerals. However, it is higher in fats due to the butter content, so those watching their fat intake should consume it in moderation.

Summary

Boiled Green Beans with Maitre D'Hotel Butter is a timeless recipe that marries the simplicity of green beans with the luxurious flavor of seasoned butter. It's a versatile side dish that elevates any meal, offering a delightful blend of textures and tastes. With its rich history and nutritional benefits, this recipe is a testament to the enduring appeal of combining fresh produce with classic culinary techniques.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I discovered this recipe is a cherished memory that I hold dear to my heart. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, that I first learned how to make Boiled Green Beans with Maitre D'Hotel Butter.

I remember it like it was yesterday. I was visiting my Aunt Mabel, who was known far and wide for her delicious home-cooked meals. She had a knack for taking simple ingredients and turning them into culinary masterpieces. On that particular day, she was preparing a feast for the entire family, and I had offered to help in the kitchen.

As I watched Aunt Mabel work her magic, I couldn't help but be in awe of her skill and expertise. Every movement she made seemed effortless, as if she had been born with a spatula in her hand. I was determined to learn all I could from her, to absorb every piece of knowledge she had to offer.

It was during the preparation of the green beans that Aunt Mabel shared with me the recipe for Boiled Green Beans with Maitre D'Hotel Butter. She explained that the key to making this dish truly special was in the butter – not just any butter, but Maitre D'Hotel Butter, a rich and flavorful concoction that would elevate the humble green beans to a whole new level.

Aunt Mabel showed me how to blanch the green beans, plunging them into boiling water for just a few minutes before quickly transferring them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This, she explained, would ensure that the beans remained crisp and vibrant in color.

Next, Aunt Mabel whipped up a batch of Maitre D'Hotel Butter, combining softened butter with chopped parsley, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. The result was a creamy, tangy spread that would melt over the hot green beans, infusing them with a burst of flavor.

As we sat down to eat, I took my first bite of the Boiled Green Beans with Maitre D'Hotel Butter, and I was instantly transported to a world of culinary bliss. The beans were perfectly cooked, with just the right amount of crunch, and the butter added a richness that was simply divine.

From that day on, I made it my mission to perfect this recipe, to recreate the magic that Aunt Mabel had brought to the table. I practiced day in and day out, experimenting with different proportions of butter and lemon juice, trying to find the perfect balance of flavors.

Over time, I honed my skills and developed my own unique twist on the recipe. I added a sprinkle of garlic powder for a touch of warmth, and a dash of black pepper for a hint of heat. The result was a dish that was all my own, yet still carried the essence of Aunt Mabel's original creation.

Now, whenever I make Boiled Green Beans with Maitre D'Hotel Butter, I think back to that day in Aunt Mabel's kitchen, and I am filled with gratitude for the knowledge she passed down to me. I am proud to carry on her legacy, to share this recipe with my own family and friends, and to keep the tradition alive for generations to come.

So the next time you find yourself in need of a side dish that is both simple and sophisticated, give Boiled Green Beans with Maitre D'Hotel Butter a try. I promise you won't be disappointed.