Green Beans with Crispy Pancetta, Mushrooms, and Shallots
by Susie Middleton
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The onion-topped green bean casserole is a Thanksgiving mainstay. This version, while full of familiar flavors, is a bit more elegant, and dare we say it, a lot more flavorful.Serves eight.
Kosher salt
1-1/2 lb. green beans, trimmed
2-1/2 oz. thinly sliced pancetta (five or six 1/16- to 1/8-inch-thick slices)
3 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
6 medium cremini mushrooms, trimmed, halved if large, and very thinly sliced
2 medium-large shallots, halved lengthwise and very thinly sliced
1/4 cup very thinly sliced fresh sage leaves
1 Tbs. sherry vinegar
1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard
Fill a large mixing bowl with ice cubes and water and set aside. Fill a 6- or 7-quart pot two-thirds full of well-salted water. Bring the water to a boil and boil the beans uncovered until tender to the bite, 4 to 6 minutes. Drain, transfer to the bowl of ice water, and let sit until cooled, about 2 minutes. Drain and pat dry.
Put the pancetta in a 12-inch nonstick skillet and cook over medium-low heat until crisp and browned, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate and coarsely crumble. Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Add 2 Tbs. of the olive oil to the pan and return it to medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms, shallots, and 1/4 tsp. salt and cook, stirring frequently, until both are nicely browned and shrunken, about 5 minutes. Add the sage and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Take the pan off the heat and add the vinegar, mustard, and the remaining 1 Tbs. oil. Stir to combine.
Return the pan to medium heat, add the green beans and toss to combine and heat through, 2 to 3 minutes. Season to taste with salt. Transfer to a warm serving platter and garnish with the pancetta.
Make Ahead Tips
The beans can be boiled and refrigerated up to 6 hours ahead. The remaining ingredients can also be prepped up to 6 hours ahead and held in the refrigerator. An hour before finishing, remove the beans from the refrigerator to come to room temperature.
nutrition information (per serving):
Calories
(kcal):
110;
Fat
(kcal):
8;
Fat Calories
(g):
70;
Saturated Fat
(g):
1.5;
Protein
(g):
3;
Monounsaturated Fat
(g):
5;
Carbohydrates
(g):
8;
Polyunsaturated Fat
(g):
1;
Sodium
(mg):
410;
Cholesterol
(mg):
5;
Fiber
(g):
3;
photo: Scott Phillips
From Fine Cooking 101, pp. 50
September 3, 2009
