Sauteed Beans and Pearl Onions Recipe
Overview:
This delightful Sauteed Beans and Pearl Onions dish is a stellar addition to any dinner table, offering a burst of freshness and flavor that perfectly complements main courses like turkey, ham, or roast. With its vibrant colors and enticing aroma, it’s sure to impress your guests. Plus, it’s not just delicious—it’s healthy too, boasting low protein and low cholesterol content, making it an ideal choice for those conscious of their dietary intake. 🌱
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories per Serving: 129.7
- Aggregated Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (based on 2 reviews)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups green beans
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cups pearl onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2/3 cup water
- Olive oil for frying
- Melted butter (optional)
Instructions:
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Prepare an Ice Bath: Start by filling a large bowl with ice water and set it aside. This will be used to cool down the blanched green beans.
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Blanch the Green Beans: In a pot of boiling salted water, blanch the green beans in two batches until they are firm-tender, which should take approximately 3 minutes. It’s crucial not to over blanch them, as they will continue to cook when sautéed later on.
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Shock the Beans: Using tongs, transfer the blanched green beans to the ice water bath and stir until they are very cold. This step helps to stop the cooking process and preserves the vibrant green color of the beans.
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Drain and Dry: Remove the green beans from the ice water bath immediately and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Excess moisture can cause splattering when frying, so ensure the beans are thoroughly dried.
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Prepare the Pearl Onions: Place the pearl onions in a bowl and cover them with boiling water. Let them stand for about 1 minute, then drain and peel off the skins. This step can be a bit tedious but is well worth the effort for the sweet, tender onions it yields.
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Fry the Onions: In a large Dutch oven or skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the peeled pearl onions and fry them until they turn golden brown in places, which should take approximately 8 minutes. Golden-brown caramelization adds depth of flavor to the dish.
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Simmer with Garlic: Once the onions are golden, add the water and minced garlic to the Dutch oven. Cover it with a lid and simmer until the onions are tender and most of the liquid has evaporated, about 10 minutes. This step infuses the onions with garlic flavor and creates a delicious sauce.
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Add the Green Beans: Next, add the blanched green beans to the Dutch oven, along with the lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the beans are heated through and coated with the flavorful sauce, which should take around 5 minutes.
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Transfer and Serve: Once the beans are hot and well-coated, transfer the Sauteed Beans and Pearl Onions to a serving platter. For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle some melted butter over the top before serving. This step is optional but adds richness and flavor.
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Enjoy: Serve this delightful dish alongside your favorite main courses, such as turkey, ham, or roast, and watch as it disappears within moments, leaving your guests craving for more.
Tips:
- To save time, you can blanch the green beans a day ahead. Simply wrap them in a towel, enclose them in a plastic bag, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can also customize the dish by adding herbs like thyme or parsley for extra freshness.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying the onions. Cook them in batches if necessary to ensure they brown evenly.
- For a vegetarian version, you can substitute olive oil for the butter when drizzling over the dish before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.
