Sautéed Green Beans I

Sautéed Green Beans I Recipe from France | Ingredients: Green Beans, Olive Oil, Salt, Black Pepper

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

Introduction

Sautéed Green Beans is a simple and delicious side dish that can be enjoyed year-round. The green beans are quickly cooked in a skillet with olive oil, salt, and pepper, resulting in a flavorful and nutritious dish.

History

Green beans have been a popular vegetable for centuries, with records of them being cultivated as far back as ancient Egypt. Sautéed Green Beans is a classic recipe that has been enjoyed by many generations, with variations found in cuisines around the world.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) of green beans, or haricot vert
2 tsp of olive oil
salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper

How to prepare

Remove any strings along the seams of the beans and trim the stem end.
Bring 3 qt (2.84 liters) of salted water to a boil. Add the beans.
Boil the beans until they are crisp-tender, which should take about 4 to 8 minutes depending on the width of the beans.
Drain the beans and immediately place them in cold water. Drain again.
Heat a large skillet and add the olive oil. Place the beans in the skillet and warm them through.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Variations

For a twist on the classic recipe, try adding sliced almonds, lemon zest, or garlic to the skillet while sautéing the green beans. You can also experiment with different seasonings such as red pepper flakes or smoked paprika.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure that your Sautéed Green Beans are perfectly cooked, be sure to blanch them in boiling water before sautéing. This will help to preserve their vibrant green color and crisp texture. Additionally, be sure not to overcook the beans, as they should be crisp-tender when finished.

Serving Suggestions

Sautéed Green Beans can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken, roasted pork, or baked fish. They also make a great addition to a holiday meal or potluck.

Cooking Techniques

The key to perfectly sautéed green beans is to cook them quickly over high heat. This will help to preserve their crisp texture and bright color.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have olive oil on hand, you can use butter or vegetable oil as a substitute. You can also use frozen green beans in place of fresh beans, though the texture may be slightly different.

Make Ahead Tips

You can blanch the green beans ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to sauté. This can help to save time when preparing a meal.

Presentation Ideas

To add a pop of color to your dish, garnish the Sautéed Green Beans with chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or chives. You can also sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Sautéed Green Beans pair well with a variety of main dishes, including grilled steak, roasted chicken, or seared salmon. They also complement pasta dishes and grain bowls.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Sautéed Green Beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of Sautéed Green Beans contains approximately 80 calories.

Carbohydrates

Green beans are a low-carb vegetable, making them a great option for those following a low-carb diet. One serving of Sautéed Green Beans contains approximately 8 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The olive oil used in this recipe adds healthy fats to the dish. One serving of Sautéed Green Beans contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Green beans are a good source of plant-based protein. One serving of Sautéed Green Beans contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Green beans are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. They also contain minerals such as potassium and manganese.

Alergens

This recipe is free of common allergens such as dairy, nuts, and gluten. However, if you have a specific allergy, be sure to check the ingredients for potential allergens.

Summary

Sautéed Green Beans are a nutritious side dish that is low in carbs and calories, while also providing essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Sautéed Green Beans is a versatile and nutritious side dish that is easy to prepare and full of flavor. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and healthy dish that is sure to be a hit at your next meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Sautéed Green Beans. It was a warm summer day, many years ago, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret in her quaint little cottage in the countryside. Margaret was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and I always looked forward to our visits for the opportunity to taste her latest culinary creations.

On that particular day, Margaret greeted me with a smile and a hug, inviting me into her cozy kitchen where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air. As we caught up on each other's news over steaming mugs of coffee, Margaret set to work preparing lunch. She moved with an effortless grace around her kitchen, chopping vegetables, seasoning meats, and stirring pots on the stove.

I watched in awe as Margaret prepared a simple yet elegant meal of roast chicken, mashed potatoes, and sautéed green beans. The green beans, in particular, caught my eye with their vibrant color and crisp texture. Margaret explained that she had picked them fresh from her garden that morning and was going to cook them with a few simple ingredients to enhance their natural flavor.

As Margaret cooked, she shared with me the story of how she had learned to make sautéed green beans. She had first encountered the recipe many years ago during a trip to France, where she had dined at a charming bistro in the heart of Paris. The chef had prepared the green beans with garlic, shallots, and a touch of lemon zest, creating a dish that was both light and flavorful.

Margaret had been so impressed by the dish that she had asked the chef for the recipe, which he graciously shared with her. Since then, she had made the sautéed green beans countless times, each time adding her own twist to the recipe to make it her own.

As lunchtime approached, Margaret plated the roast chicken, mashed potatoes, and sautéed green beans, garnishing each dish with a sprig of fresh parsley. We sat down at her kitchen table, the sunlight streaming through the window and casting a warm glow over our meal.

I took my first bite of the sautéed green beans and was immediately transported back to that charming bistro in Paris. The beans were perfectly cooked, with a slight crunch and a burst of flavor from the garlic, shallots, and lemon zest. It was a simple yet elegant dish that spoke volumes about Margaret's skill as a cook.

After lunch, I asked Margaret if she would be willing to share the recipe with me. She smiled and handed me a piece of paper with the ingredients and instructions written in her elegant script. I thanked her profusely and promised to make the dish for my family at home.

From that day on, sautéed green beans became a staple in my recipe repertoire. I would make them for Sunday dinners, holiday gatherings, and impromptu dinner parties with friends. Each time, I would think of Margaret and the special bond we shared over our love of good food and great recipes.

Over the years, I have added my own twist to the recipe, using different herbs and spices to create new flavor combinations. But no matter how many variations I try, the original recipe for sautéed green beans will always hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of that warm summer day spent with my dear friend Margaret in her cozy kitchen in the countryside.