Hazelnut-Kissed French Bean Delight: A Savory Sensation!

French Beans with Toasted Hazelnuts Recipe 🌱🥜

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Description:

If you can’t find haricots verts (those long, skinny French green beans), don’t fret! You can easily use green string beans and julienne them lengthwise. Trust me, it’s worth the effort. This recipe hinges on high-quality fresh beans for its flavor, and the prep time listed doesn’t include julienning. It’s a delightful creation from Rozanne Gold, a cherished cookbook author.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup hazelnuts
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 pounds French green beans (haricots verts) or green string beans, julienned

Instructions:

1. Blanch the Beans:

   • Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
   • While waiting for the water to boil, prepare a bowl of ice water.
   • Once the water is boiling, carefully add the green beans and blanch them for about 5 minutes. You want them to be vibrant green and tender but still have a slight crispness.
   • Immediately drain the beans and transfer them to the bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and lock in their bright color. Once cooled, drain them again and set aside.

2. Toast the Hazelnuts:

   • In a dry skillet over medium heat, add the hazelnuts.
   • Toast them, shaking the pan occasionally, until they are fragrant and lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
   • Once toasted, transfer the hazelnuts to a clean kitchen towel. Rub them in the towel to remove as much of the skins as possible. Don’t worry if some skin remains.
   • Roughly chop the toasted hazelnuts and set them aside.

3. Saute the Beans:

   • In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped hazelnuts to the melted butter and sauté them for a minute or two until they are warmed through and coated in the buttery goodness.
   • Next, add the blanched green beans to the skillet with the hazelnuts and butter. Toss everything together gently to combine.
   • Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, just until the beans are heated through.
   • Season the beans with salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind that the hazelnuts and butter already add a delicious savory flavor.
   • Once seasoned, transfer the French beans with toasted hazelnuts to a serving dish.

4. Serve and Enjoy:

   • These French beans with toasted hazelnuts are best served immediately while still warm and flavorful.
   • They make a delightful side dish for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner, a festive holiday gathering, or a summertime brunch alfresco.
   • Enjoy the delicious crunch of the hazelnuts paired with the tender, vibrant green beans. It’s a match made in culinary heaven!

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 287.9
• Fat: 22.6g
  • Saturated Fat: 6.5g
• Cholesterol: 22.9mg
• Sodium: 14.8mg
• Carbohydrates: 19.9g
  • Fiber: 9.9g
  • Sugar: 4.2g
• Protein: 7.6g

Keywords:

Vegetable, Nuts, Low Protein, Summer, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Savory, Brunch, < 30 Mins, Stove Top, Easy

Notes:

• For a variation, try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest for a bright citrusy flavor.
• You can also experiment with different nuts such as almonds or walnuts if hazelnuts are not available.
• This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled or roasted meats, poultry, or fish, making it a versatile and elegant addition to any meal.