Green Beans With Garlic-Herb Butter

4-6 servings servings Prep: 15 m Cook: 20 m Total: 35 m Beginner
5.0/5 (2)
Green Beans With Garlic-Herb Butter
Green beans have many common names - string beans, pole beans, snap beans, zydeco - just to name a few. Two of my favorite ways to eat green beans is to break it off the plant and eat it fresh; the other is pickled. I just wonder if I could dance the zydeco - does that mean I have to dance with a string bean? This classic Southern side brings fresh green beans together with butter, garlic, onion, celery, and herbs for a flavorful vegetable dish.

Ingredients

4-6 servings servings
  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1 small onion, minced
  • 1 celery rib, minced
  • 1 1/2 tsp jarred minced garlic (I like roasted)
  • 1/8 tsp dried rosemary (optional)
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • cayenne pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Bring salted water to a boil in a large saucepan; add beans. Cover and cook 10-15 minutes or until crisp-tender then drain.
  2. Plunge into ice water to stop the cooking process, then drain again.
  3. In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, garlic, rosemary (if using), and salt. Sauté 5-7 minutes until tender.
  4. Add the green beans and parsley; mix well. Cook 3-5 minutes until beans are heated through and reach desired tenderness. Season with cayenne pepper to taste.

Tips and Techniques

The ice water bath after boiling (blanching) keeps the green beans bright green and stops them from overcooking. You can prepare the beans ahead through step 2 and finish the sauté just before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • fresh green beans: frozen whole green beans
  • fresh parsley: 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • butter: olive oil or vegetable oil

Equipment Needed

  • Large saucepan
  • Large sauté pan or skillet
  • Bowl with ice water