Imagine transforming ordinary green beans into a culinary masterpiece that will have your dinner guests begging for seconds! This Italian-inspired LDC Green Beans with Parmesan and Balsamic recipe is about to revolutionize your side dish game, turning simple vegetables into a restaurant-worthy sensation that's both elegant and incredibly easy to prepare. Get ready to elevate your cooking skills and impress everyone at your table with just a few simple ingredients and professional techniques.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound of green beans
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash the green beans under cool running water, then trim off the tough ends using a sharp knife. Pat the beans dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water to enhance the beans' flavor.
- Carefully add the green beans to the boiling water and blanch for approximately 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and crisp-tender. Avoid overcooking to maintain their vibrant color and texture.
- While the beans are cooking, prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with cold water and ice cubes. This will help stop the cooking process and preserve the beans' crisp texture.
- Using tongs or a slotted spoon, immediately transfer the blanched green beans from the boiling water to the ice bath. Let them sit for 1-2 minutes to cool completely and halt the cooking process.
- Drain the green beans thoroughly in a colander, shaking off excess water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the drained green beans and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the beans and toss to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the vinegar to slightly reduce and caramelize.
- Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the beans. Toss gently to distribute the cheese evenly.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Transfer the green beans to a serving platter or individual plates. Serve immediately while hot, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Choose fresh, crisp green beans for the best texture and flavor. Look for bright green beans without blemishes or soft spots.
- The key to perfect blanching is timing - cook beans just until they're bright green and crisp-tender, typically 3-4 minutes.
- The ice bath is crucial! It stops the cooking process and helps maintain that vibrant green color and crisp texture.
- Use high-quality balsamic vinegar for the best flavor reduction and caramelization.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet when sautéing to ensure even heating and beautiful caramelization.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will melt more smoothly and provide a more intense flavor compared to pre-grated cheese.
- Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the beans at their peak temperature and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 10mg
