Description
French Green Beans, also known as haricots verts, are a fresh, vibrant, and nutritious side dish that is quick and easy to prepare. This recipe highlights their natural crispness and bright flavor through blanching and a garlicky sauté. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a healthy accompaniment to meats, fish, or vegetarian meals, these beans maintain a fresh crunch and beautiful presentation with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Fresh French Green Beans, trimmed
- 2 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- Sea Salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beans: Rinse the fresh French Green Beans under cool water. Trim off both ends of the beans to ensure a neat appearance and remove any tough parts that might affect texture.
- Blanch the Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the beans and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn bright green and are just beginning to become tender. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and lock in the fresh color and crispness.
- Sauté with Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant but not browned, about 30 seconds. Drain the beans and toss them into the skillet. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until heated through and evenly coated with the garlicky oil.
- Season and Finish: Sprinkle the beans with sea salt, squeeze fresh lemon juice over them, and add crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Toss gently to combine all the flavors, then serve immediately for the best texture and taste.
Notes
- Choose firm, unwilted beans without brown spots for maximum crispness.
- Do not overcook the beans; blanching briefly preserves their crunch and vibrant color.
- Shock the beans in ice water immediately after blanching to stop cooking.
- Use a good quality extra-virgin olive oil to enhance flavor.
- Add salt and lemon juice just before serving to avoid spoiling the texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing and Blanching
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe (about 4 oz)
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: French Green Beans, Haricots Verts, Vegetable Side Dish, Healthy Beans, Quick Vegetable Recipe, Sautéed Green Beans