Description
Delightful Creamy Green Beans showcase a simple side dish blending fresh garden produce with rich, velvety sauce. Crisp green beans nestle in a silky cream base, promising comfort and flavor that draws you to the dinner table with irresistible charm.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound green beans (fresh or frozen)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
Flavor Enhancers:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Squeeze of fresh lemon juice
Crispy Topping:
- 1 1/2 ounces shallots, thinly sliced (about 2 medium shallots)
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (divided)
Instructions
- Prepare green beans by washing and trimming the ends, ensuring they are clean and ready for cooking.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, creating an ideal cooking environment for the vegetables.
- Introduce green beans to the hot pan, sautéing until they become slightly tender and develop a vibrant green color. For frozen beans, continue cooking until completely defrosted.
- Infuse the skillet with heavy cream, seasoning generously with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Gently stir to distribute flavors evenly.
- Allow the mixture to simmer, stirring periodically, until green beans reach desired tenderness, typically 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and incorporate freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a bright splash of lemon juice, creating a rich and tangy sauce.
- Let the mixture rest briefly, allowing the sauce to thicken and develop depth of flavor.
- In a separate pan, caramelize shallots in olive oil until they turn golden and crisp, creating a delicate topping.
- Using the same pan, toast panko breadcrumbs with rosemary, parsley, and a pinch of salt until they achieve a beautiful golden-brown hue.
- Transfer creamy green beans to a serving dish and generously garnish with crispy shallots and toasted breadcrumbs.
- Serve immediately while warm, presenting a delightful combination of creamy, crunchy, and herbaceous elements.
Notes
- Enhance nutrition by using fresh green beans for maximum flavor and crispness.
- Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter, dietary-friendly alternatives.
- Control sauce thickness by adjusting simmering time and monitoring liquid reduction carefully.
- Create dairy-free version by replacing Parmesan with nutritional yeast for similar savory notes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg