Are you ready to elevate your dinner table with a touch of French elegance? Lyonnaise Green Beans are not just a side dish; they are a delightful experience that combines the crisp freshness of green beans with the rich, buttery sweetness of caramelized onions. In just 30 minutes, you can transform simple ingredients into a gourmet delight that will impress your family and friends. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply looking to add a bit of flair to your weeknight meals, this recipe is a must-try. Dive into the world of French cuisine and discover how easy it is to create a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb green beans, trimmed
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the green beans by washing them thoroughly under cold running water. Trim the ends and cut into uniform pieces, approximately 2-3 inches long for even cooking.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water to enhance the beans' flavor.
- Blanch the green beans by carefully dropping them into the boiling water. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and crisp-tender, maintaining their vibrant color and slight crunch.
- While the beans are blanching, prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with cold water and ice cubes. This will stop the cooking process and preserve the beans' texture.
- Once the beans are blanched, immediately drain them and transfer to the ice bath. Let them sit for 1-2 minutes to cool completely, then drain again and pat dry with clean kitchen towels.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it becomes slightly golden and fragrant.
- Add the sliced onions to the butter and sauté, stirring frequently, until they become soft, translucent, and lightly caramelized, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Add the blanched green beans to the skillet with the caramelized onions. Toss gently to coat the beans evenly with butter and onions.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes, ensuring the beans are heated through and absorb the flavors.
- Transfer the Lyonnaise Green Beans to a serving platter. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot as a classic French-style side dish, garnishing with additional freshly ground black pepper if desired.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Beans: For the best flavor and texture, select fresh green beans that are bright in color and firm to the touch. Avoid any that are limp or have brown spots.
- Perfect Blanching: Don’t skip the blanching step! This technique not only enhances the vibrant color of the beans but also helps maintain their crispness. Remember to plunge them into an ice bath immediately after blanching to lock in that freshness.
- Caramelize Onions Slowly: Patience is key when caramelizing onions. Cook them on medium heat and stir frequently to achieve that perfect golden-brown color and sweet flavor.
- Season Generously: Taste as you go! Seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper at different stages of cooking can elevate the dish’s overall flavor.
- Garnish for Presentation: For an extra touch, garnish your Lyonnaise Green Beans with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or additional black pepper before serving. It adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 90kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
