Description
Ina Garten String Beans With Shallots
A simple yet elegant side dish that elevates any meal! Ina Garten’s String Beans With Shallots combines tender French string beans with caramelized shallots, butter, and olive oil for a perfectly balanced flavor. This dish brings out the best of fresh ingredients, making it a go-to choice for any occasion.
1 lb French string beans (haricots verts), ends removed
Kosher salt
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp good olive oil
3 large shallots, large-diced
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
1. Boil a pot of salted water. Cook string beans for 1.5 minutes, drain, then plunge into ice water.
2. Heat butter and oil in a pan over medium heat. Add shallots and cook 5-10 minutes until lightly browned.
3. Add drained beans to the pan. Season with salt and pepper, toss well, and heat thoroughly.
Prep Time: 10 min
Kcal: 89 kcal
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Beans: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. While waiting, trim the ends from 1 lb of French string beans (haricots verts).
2. Blanch the Beans: Once boiling, add the beans and cook for exactly 1.5 minutes. You want them bright green and crisp-tender. Immediately drain and plunge them into a large bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. This preserves color and texture.
3. Caramelize the Shallots: In a large sauté pan, heat 2 tbsp unsalted butter and 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 large, diced shallots. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 10 minutes until they are softened and lightly browned. Do not rush this step; proper caramelization is key.
4. Combine and Serve: Drain the beans thoroughly and add them to the pan with the shallots. Season with kosher salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything together for 2-3 minutes until the beans are heated through and perfectly coated.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile side dish pairs beautifully with a wide range of mains. For a classic dinner, serve alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or pan-seared salmon. It also makes an elegant addition to a holiday table, complementing roast turkey or prime rib. For a lighter meal, top the warm beans with crumbled goat cheese or toasted slivered almonds.
How-to Summary
Trim and blanch green beans in boiling salted water for 90 seconds, then shock in ice water. In a separate pan, cook diced shallots in butter and olive oil until caramelized. Combine the drained beans with the shallots, season with salt and pepper, and toss until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular green beans instead of haricots verts? Yes, but adjust the blanching time. Thicker regular beans may need 3-4 minutes. Always test for crisp-tender doneness.
How can I make this dish ahead of time? Blanch the beans and prepare the caramelized shallots up to a day in advance. Store separately in the fridge. Reheat the shallots in the pan, then add the beans to warm through just before serving.
What’s the purpose of the ice water bath? This “shocking” step halts the cooking process instantly, locking in the vibrant green color and a crisp, not mushy, texture.
Can I use only olive oil and omit the butter? You can, but the butter adds a rich, foundational flavor that is signature to the dish. For a dairy-free version, use a high-quality vegan butter substitute.
My shallots are burning. What went wrong? Your heat is likely too high. Cook them over medium or medium-low heat to allow their natural sugars to caramelize gently without scorching.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Beans: Blanching beyond 2 minutes can make them limp. Set a timer.
- Skipping the Ice Bath: This leads to residual heat overcooking the beans and dulling their color.
- Not Drying the Beans: Adding wet beans to the shallots will steam them instead of sautéing, diluting flavor.
- Crowding the Pan: When cooking shallots, ensure they are in a single layer for even browning.
- Underseasoning: Season the blanching water well and don’t forget to season again in the pan.
Conclusion
Ina Garten’s String Beans with Shallots is a masterclass in elevating simple ingredients through precise technique. The combination of crisp-tender beans, sweet caramelized shallots, and rich butter creates a side dish that is both reliably delicious and impressively elegant. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can consistently achieve a perfect result that will become a staple in your culinary repertoire.