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Simply Delicious Green Beans

To really enjoy the fresh flavor of green beans, cook them just until tender (don't undercook or overcook) and dress them simply with your best olive oil and plenty of sea salt. Then, if you feel like gussying up the dish, add a flavorful extra or two (see the ideas at the end of the recipe). Serves four as a side dish.

To learn more, read the article:
Bountiful Snap Beans
1 lb. fresh, tender green beans
1-1/2 Tbs. best-quality extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 tsp. fleur de sel or other medium-grain sea salt; more to taste

Bring a pot of water to boil over high heat. Rinse the beans and trim away their stems. Boil the beans just until tender, 4 to 5 min. for regular green beans, less for extra-thin filet beans. Drain well. Spread the beans on a platter or shallow serving dish. If there is still water clinging to them, let them dry briefly. While the beans are still hot, drizzle with the olive oil. Toss gently with your hands or two serving forks, turning the beans until they're evenly coated with oil. Sprinkle with sea salt, toss, and serve warm.

Variations

If you like, add one or two of the following extras and toss while still warm:

  • a little creamy goat cheese
  • slivered sun-dried tomatoes
  • quartered cherry tomatoes
  • grated lemon or orange zest
  • sliced green onions
  • blanched corn kernels
  • quartered pitted olives
  • paper-thin slices of radish
  • shredded endive or radicchio
  • toasted pine nuts or almonds
  • fresh mint or chervil leaves


nutrition information (per serving):
Size : based on four servings; Calories (kcal): 80; Fat (g): 5; Fat Calories (kcal): 50; Saturated Fat (g): 1; Protein (g): 2; Monounsaturated Fat (g): 3; Carbohydrates (g): 8; Polyunsaturated Fat (g): 1; Sodium (mg): 150; Cholesterol (mg): 0; Fiber (g): 4;
photo: Scott Phillips
From Fine Cooking 66 , pp. 16, 18
August 1, 2004


user reviews

Star Star Star Star Star As the saying goes, sometimes less is more. Such simplicity for such a delicious result. My kids gobbled these up!
Star Star Star Star Star This simple-to-prepare recipe is absolutely scrumptious. I used my best olive oil, fleur de sel, finely chopped sundried tomatoes, and grated lemon zest. Tantalizing aroma + beautiful colour = rave reviews from my guests. This recipe is DEFINITELY a keeper.
Star Star Star Star Star Simple is often the best. Be sure to salt it well and be generous w/the olive oil. Use a nice fragrant oil. I used lemon zest. Perfect.
Star Star Star Star Star So simple and so good. Make sure to use a really good extra virgin olive oil.