French green beans are the elegant and classy sibling of regular green beans. Fresh haricot verts or thin green beans is a great addition to almost any meal or gathering. This side dish is packed with flavor and is definitely not a boring old veggie dish. TRUST ME!
Why use French Green Beans?
Well my friend….the real question is why not?
French greens are thinner and slightly longer compared to regular green beans. Normally in grocery stores regular green beans are often sold by the pound or in pre-packaged bags.
Another name for French green beans is Haricots Verts. So either named used really is the same type of bean. Haricots Verts are a little more pricier and overall just a more refined version of regular green beans. This particular green bean is harvested earlier than regular green beans and tends to limp up faster as well. So please try to eat them as fresh as possible.
How to Shop for French Green Beans
When purchasing your beans make sure they have a vibrant green color and a smooth feel texture. Completely free from any bruises and brown spots. The texture should be nice and firm, and snap when broken.
For freshness purposes, store the unwashed beans in a plastic bag or airtight container in the refrigerator. The Haricots Verts should be okay for about 5-7 days if stored this way before cooking.
Ingredients Breakdown
Alright, lets go over the ingredients….
- Haricots Verts: Of course one cannot make this recipe without the French green beans. IT’S A MUST!
- Garlic: Is a vegetable dish really complete without minced garlic? We think not… The minced garlic in this recipe just helps being everything along.
- Shallots: Shallots are a part of the onion family. But are smaller with a delicate and sweet flavor with a touch of sharpness. The shallots are not overpowering and compliment the beans very well.
- Unsalted Butter: Seal the meal with moisture! The addition of fat to the veggie dish adds flavor and a little richness.
- Lemons: Lemon juice brings a touch of brightness and acidity to the veggies. It’s like the important WAKE UP CALL!
- Salt & Pepper: Seasoning is everything…nothing more to say about it.
Follow us on social media!
Looking for more delicious veggies? Check out the links below:
French Green Beans
Ingredients
- 1 lb. French Green Beans organic
- 2 tsp Lemon juice
- 2 Shallots peeled and chopped
- 3 Garlic cloves minced
- ½ tsp Kosher salt
- ¼ tsp Freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tbsp Butter
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook until tender, approximately 5 minutes. Drain the beans and rinse under cold water.
- Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat, add the shallots and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute or until the shallots appear brown.
- Add the green beans, salt, and pepper. Sauté briefly. Squeeze the fresh lemon juice on top before serving.