Frequently Asked Questions
What are Haricots Verts?
Haricots verts are slender, tender French green beans known for their delicate flavor and vibrant color.
How long should I blanch the haricots verts?
The haricots verts should be blanched in boiling salted water for about 3 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
Why is an ice bath used in this recipe?
Plunging the beans into ice water immediately after boiling stops the cooking process and preserves their bright green color.
What type of vinegar is used for the vinaigrette?
This recipe uses 1/2 cup of red wine vinegar to create a tangy kick in the vinaigrette.
How many calories are in this dish?
Each serving of this dish contains approximately 37 calories.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as indicated by its tags.
How long do I sauté the shallots?
Sauté the chopped shallots in olive oil for about 4 minutes until they turn golden brown and fragrant.
What is the fat content per serving?
This dish contains 3 grams of fat per serving.
Can I serve this dish at room temperature?
Yes, the dish can be served either warm or at room temperature.
How much fiber does this recipe provide?
This recipe provides 1 gram of fiber per serving.
How much olive oil is required?
You will need 1 tablespoon of olive oil for sautéing.
What are the primary flavors of this dish?
The dish features a balance of sweetness from sautéed shallots and tanginess from red wine vinegar.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 6 total ingredients: haricots verts, olive oil, shallots, red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper.
How long should the vinegar mixture simmer?
After adding the red wine vinegar, let it cook for approximately 5 minutes to allow it to thicken slightly.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Based on the ingredients listed (vegetables, oil, and vinegar), this recipe is vegan-friendly.
What kind of skillet is recommended?
A large non-stick skillet is recommended for sautéing the shallots and beans.
How much protein is in one serving?
There is 1 gram of protein per serving.
What is the total carbohydrate count?
There are 2 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How do I prepare the shallots?
The shallots should be chopped; you will need about 1/2 cup, which is roughly 2 large shallots.
Do the beans need to be trimmed?
Yes, the 1 1/2 lbs of French haricots verts should be trimmed before cooking.
Can I use regular green beans?
While haricots verts are preferred for their tenderness, regular green beans can be used, though they may require slightly longer blanching.
What is the final sauté time?
Once combined with the vinaigrette, the beans are sautéed for an additional 2 minutes just to heat them through.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, low-calorie vegetable side dish.
What should I do with the remaining vinaigrette?
Any remaining vinaigrette in the pan should be drizzled over the top of the beans before serving.
Is this dish French?
Yes, it is an elegant French dish featuring classic French green beans.
What kind of pepper should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
How much salt is included?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of salt, plus extra for the blanching water.
Is this recipe fast to make?
Yes, it is categorized under quick recipes and is designed for simple preparation.
What does 'tender-crisp' mean?
Tender-crisp means the beans are cooked enough to be bitten through easily but still retain a firm, slightly crunchy texture.
What is the main technique used for the dressing?
The dressing is a warm vinaigrette created by sautéing shallots and reducing red wine vinegar in a pan.