Green Beans: Three Options
There are many ways to cook green beans in a basic way. We have some fancy recipes like Roasted Green Beans with Red Onion and Walnuts or Green Beans with Pecans and others. THIS post is about the three ways to make a simple green bean: steamed, braised, or roasted.
Braised Green Beans
INGREDIENTS
Green beans (any amount), stems snapped off
Braising liquid: well salted water, broth or stock, seasoned apple cider, wine or other well seasoned liquid or combination of liquids (like broth and wine, for example). You're only limited by your imagination.
INSTRUCTIONS
Bring a shallow pan of braising liquid to a boil--this doesn't require a lot of liquid--just enough to cover the green beans).
Add the green beans and turn the heat down to a simmer. Cook until the green beans are tender.
Season as needed with salt and pepper or other seasoning.
Steamed Green Beans
Use this if you're adding other seasoning to the green beans once they've been steamed. For instance, you can quickly sauté them in a seasoned fat or sauce, or use a pan sauce to flavor them.
INGREDIENTS
Green beans (any amount), stems snapped off
INSTRUCTIONS
Bring a steamer with water to boil, covered.
Add green beans to steamer basket.
Cook green beans until they are tender. Serve with with whatever flavoring sauce or seasoning you wish.
Roasted Green Beans
From Cook's IllustratedINGREDIENTS:
1 lb. green beans, stems snapped off
1 Tbl olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
fresh ground pepper
baking sheet
aluminum foil
PREPARATION:
1. Oven rack to middle position; heat oven to 450. Line baking sheet with foil.
2. Place green beans in wide-mouth bowl and drizzle with oil. Use hands or tongs to toss and coat evenly.
3. Spread green beans evenly in a single layer on lined baking sheet and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp salt.
4. Roast 10 min, remove from oven, and redistribute beans with tongs.
5. Continue roasting until beans are dark golden brown in spots and have started to shrivel, 10-12 min. longer.
6. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper and serve.
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