Imagine a side dish so simple yet so sophisticated that it transports you straight to a charming Parisian bistro. Green Beans Parisienne is not just a recipe; it's a culinary experience that elevates humble green beans into a gourmet masterpiece. With just a few ingredients and some classic French cooking techniques, you'll create a vibrant, buttery, and absolutely irresistible vegetable dish that will have your dinner guests wondering if a professional chef secretly prepared their meal.
Prep Time: 8 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the green beans. Rinse them under cold water and trim the ends to remove any tough parts. Make sure to cut off about 1/4 inch from both ends for a clean presentation.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the trimmed green beans and cook for about 4-5 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Be careful not to overcook them, as you want to maintain their vibrant color and crunch.
- While the green beans are cooking, prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with ice and cold water. Once the green beans are done, use a slotted spoon to transfer them immediately to the ice bath. This will stop the cooking process and help preserve their color.
- After the green beans have cooled for a few minutes in the ice bath, drain them thoroughly and set them aside on a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the blanched green beans to the skillet. Stir gently to coat the beans in the melted butter.
- Cook the green beans in the skillet for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through and slightly caramelized. This will enhance their flavor and give them a nice sheen.
- Once the green beans are cooked, drizzle the lemon juice over them and toss to combine. This will add brightness and freshness to the dish.
- Remove the skillet from heat and add the chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste, tossing everything together to ensure even distribution of the seasoning.
- Transfer the green beans to a serving dish, garnishing with a few extra sprigs of parsley if desired. Serve immediately as a delightful side dish to complement your main course.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Beans: Select bright green, firm beans without blemishes for the best flavor and texture.
- Blanching is Key: The ice bath technique is crucial for maintaining the beans' bright color and crisp texture. Don't skip this step!
- Watch Your Butter: Use high-quality butter and be careful not to burn it when sautéing the beans.
- Lemon Juice Timing: Add lemon juice at the very end to preserve its fresh, bright flavor.
- Seasoning Matters: Season gradually and taste as you go. The right amount of salt and pepper can make a huge difference.
- Serve Immediately: These beans are best enjoyed hot and fresh, right after cooking.
- Optional Variations: Try adding toasted almonds or garlic for an extra flavor dimension.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 70kcal
Carbohydrates: 7g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
