Green Beans with Mustard, Shallots and Bacon

Green Beans with Mustard, Shallots and Bacon Recipe

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Green Beans with Mustard, Shallots, and Bacon is a delicious and flavorful side dish that is perfect for any meal. The combination of fresh green beans, crispy bacon, tangy mustard, and savory shallots creates a dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on a classic green bean dish. Green beans have been a staple in many cuisines for centuries, and this recipe adds a unique flavor profile with the addition of mustard and bacon. The combination of these ingredients creates a dish that is both comforting and sophisticated.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) fresh green beans, trimmed (or one 16 oz (454 g) package frozen green beans)
2 slices lean bacon
0.25 cup shallots, sliced (or, alternatively, 0.25 cup sliced green onions)
2 tsp brown or grainy mustard
salt and pepper, to taste

How to prepare

In a large saucepan, heat 0.5 cup of water until it boils. Add the green beans.
Cover and cook for 10–15 minutes, or until the beans are crisp-tender.
Drain the beans into a colander, then rinse them under cold water and set them aside. If using frozen beans, cook them according to the package directions.
In a medium skillet, cook the bacon until it becomes crisp.
Drain the bacon on paper towels, then crumble the pieces and set them aside.
Add the shallots to the bacon drippings, then raise the heat to medium-high and cook until they become tender.
Turn the heat to low, then stir in the mustard, salt, and pepper.
Add the green beans and toss them until they are evenly coated.
Serve the green beans on a platter, sprinkled with the crumbled bacon.

Variations

Substitute turkey bacon for a lower-fat option.
Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving for an extra burst of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the green beans until they are crisp-tender to ensure they maintain their bright green color and crunchy texture.

- Crumble the bacon just before serving to ensure it stays crispy.

- Adjust the amount of mustard to suit your taste preferences – you can add more or less depending on how tangy you like your dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Green Beans with Mustard, Shallots, and Bacon alongside roasted chicken or grilled steak for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Blanch the green beans before sautéing to lock in their vibrant color and crisp texture.

- Cook the bacon until it is crispy to add a crunchy element to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use frozen green beans if fresh are not available.

- Swap out the shallots for red onions for a slightly different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the green beans and bacon mixture ahead of time and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Simply reheat and toss together before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the green beans on a platter and sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Green Beans with Mustard, Shallots, and Bacon with a glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Green Beans with Mustard, Shallots, and Bacon contains approximately 100 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Green Beans with Mustard, Shallots, and Bacon contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Green Beans with Mustard, Shallots, and Bacon contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Green Beans with Mustard, Shallots, and Bacon contains approximately 4 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Green beans are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as potassium and manganese.

Alergens

This recipe contains bacon, which may be a potential allergen for some individuals. Be sure to check for any allergies before serving.

Summary

Green Beans with Mustard, Shallots, and Bacon is a nutritious side dish that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Green Beans with Mustard, Shallots, and Bacon is a delicious and nutritious side dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its vibrant colors and bold flavors, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was hooked. It was a sunny Saturday afternoon, and I had ventured over to my dear friend Martha's house for our weekly cooking session. Martha was known for her delicious and inventive recipes, so I always looked forward to our time together in the kitchen.

As soon as I walked into Martha's cozy kitchen, I could smell the savory aroma of bacon sizzling in the pan. Martha greeted me with a warm smile and a knowing twinkle in her eye.

"Today, we are going to make one of my favorite dishes - Green Beans with Mustard, Shallots and Bacon," Martha announced, as she handed me a crisp apron and a sharp knife.

I watched in awe as Martha effortlessly chopped the shallots and crisped up the bacon. She then added the green beans to the pan, along with a generous dollop of tangy mustard. The sizzle of the pan and the mouth-watering smell of the dish cooking filled the kitchen with a comforting warmth.

As Martha stirred the ingredients together, she shared with me the story of how she first learned to make this dish. It was during a trip to France many years ago, where she had dined at a quaint little bistro in a charming village. The chef had prepared this dish for her, and she had instantly fallen in love with the combination of flavors.

Ever since that day, Martha had been perfecting her own version of the recipe, adding her own twists and tweaks to make it truly her own. She had shared it with me, knowing that I too would appreciate the unique blend of flavors and the comforting familiarity of a classic dish.

As the green beans cooked to a perfect al dente, Martha plated them up and garnished them with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The dish looked rustic and elegant at the same time, a true reflection of Martha's culinary prowess.

I eagerly took my first bite of the Green Beans with Mustard, Shallots and Bacon, and my taste buds were instantly transported to a world of rich flavors and comforting textures. The tangy mustard cut through the richness of the bacon, while the shallots added a subtle sweetness to the dish. It was a perfect balance of flavors, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I have made Martha's Green Beans with Mustard, Shallots and Bacon countless times, each time with a sense of nostalgia and gratitude for the dear friend who had shared her recipe with me. I have passed it down to my own children and grandchildren, who have all fallen in love with the dish just as I did.

This recipe is more than just a dish to me - it is a reminder of the joy and camaraderie that comes from sharing food with loved ones. It is a testament to the power of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly magical.

So the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, looking for a new recipe to try, I urge you to give Martha's Green Beans with Mustard, Shallots and Bacon a chance. I promise you won't be disappointed.