Sautéed Green Beans with Sweet Caramelized Shallots
Elevate your vegetable dish with this delightful recipe for Sautéed Green Beans with Sweet Caramelized Shallots. Fresh green beans are blanched to retain their vibrant color and crispness, then combined with rich, sweet shallots that have been slowly caramelized to perfection. The delicate balance of butter and olive oil adds a luxurious mouthfeel to the dish, while dried thyme enhances the flavors with a subtle earthiness. Perfect as a side for any meal, this dish offers both nutrition and gourmet flair.
8
Servings
40
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Slender green beans
2 lbs (trimmed)
Medium shallot
1 lb (peeled and sliced lengthwise)
Butter
2 tablespoons (unsalted)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (extra virgin)
Dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Salt
to taste
Black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook until tender-crisp, about 6 minutes. Drain the beans and immediately transfer them to a bowl filled with ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain the beans again and set aside.
2
Prepare the shallots by cutting off the ends and removing the skins. Slice the shallots lengthwise in half to create half-moons.
3
In a large, heavy skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the prepared shallots to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute.
4
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Continue to sauté the shallots, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes, or until they are deeply browned and tender. Be sure to monitor the heat so they do not burn.
5
Sprinkle the caramelized shallots with dried thyme and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
6
Add the blanched green beans to the skillet, gently tossing to combine with the shallots. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
7
Serve warm and enjoy! If desired, you can prepare this dish 2 hours in advance; simply cover it loosely with foil and let it sit at room temperature until you are ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
2.25g
Fat
4.375g
Carbs
0.625g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is Sautéed Green Beans with Sweet Caramelized Shallots.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are 40 calories per serving.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients include slender green beans, medium shallots, butter, olive oil, and dried thyme.
How long should the green beans be blanched?
The green beans should be cooked in boiling salted water for about 6 minutes until tender-crisp.
Why should I put the green beans in ice water?
Transferring the beans to ice water stops the cooking process and helps retain their vibrant green color.
How should the shallots be prepared?
The shallots should be peeled and sliced lengthwise into half-moons.
How long does it take to caramelize the shallots?
The shallots should be sautéed on medium-low heat for approximately 20 minutes.
What type of butter is recommended?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
What type of olive oil should I use?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for this dish.
What herb is used to season the shallots?
Dried thyme is used to add a subtle earthiness to the dish.
How much green beans do I need for this recipe?
You will need 2 lbs of slender, trimmed green beans.
How many shallots are required?
The recipe requires 1 lb of medium shallots.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make this vegan by substituting the butter with more olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is 2.25g per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 4.375g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving contains 0.625g of protein.
Can this dish be prepared in advance?
Yes, it can be prepared up to 2 hours in advance and kept at room temperature.
What temperature should the shallots be sautéed at initially?
Initially, the butter and oil should be heated over medium-high heat until shimmering.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 7 ingredients in total, including seasonings.
How long do I cook the beans after adding them to the shallots?
Cook them for an additional 2-3 minutes until they are heated through.
What should the texture of the shallots be?
They should be deeply browned and tender.
Should the green beans be trimmed?
Yes, the green beans should be trimmed before cooking.
What kind of skillet is best for this recipe?
A large, heavy skillet is recommended for even heat distribution.
How do I season the dish?
Season with dried thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a nutritious vegetable side dish with relatively low calories and fat.
What is the final step before serving?
The final step is to gently toss the beans with the shallots and heat for a few minutes.
Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh thyme, but you may need to adjust the quantity as fresh herbs are less concentrated.
How should I store the finished dish if not serving immediately?
Cover it loosely with foil and let it sit at room temperature if serving within 2 hours.
Does the recipe use salted or unsalted water for boiling?
The recipe specifies using a large pot of salted water to boil the beans.