Lemon-Herb Brown Butter Green Beans

Discover the elegant simplicity of crisp-tender Haricots Verts, gracefully coated in a fragrant brown butter sauce infused with bright lemon and fresh herbs. This exquisite holiday side dish offers effortless preparation and a sophisticated touch to any festive table.

When curating a memorable menu for your holiday gatherings, the choice of side dishes can elevate the entire dining experience. While many vegetables vie for a spot on the festive table, few possess the inherent elegance and versatility of Haricots Verts, often known as French green beans. These slender, vibrant gems are a perfect complement to rich main courses, offering a refreshing contrast with their delicate flavor and satisfying texture. Whether you blanch them to perfection, sauté them until tender-crisp, or glaze them with a savory sauce, Haricots Verts are a culinary staple that consistently delivers.

In this particular recipe, we unlock the full potential of these beautiful green beans by pairing their bright, fresh notes with the luxurious depth of nutty brown butter, zesty lemon juice, and aromatic fresh herbs. The result is a side dish that is far more than just “green beans” – it’s an experience. Best of all, this impressive dish comes together in approximately 30 minutes from start to finish, including the time it takes to boil the water. This makes it an ideal choice for busy holiday hosts who want to serve something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Its light and vibrant profile offers a welcome balance to the often heavier dishes found on a traditional holiday spread.

Indeed, the very name “Haricots Verts” (pronounced ar-ee-ko-VER) carries an air of sophistication that feels perfectly suited for a holiday menu, promising guests a touch of refined taste and culinary thoughtfulness.

Contents

Unveiling Haricots Verts: The Quintessential French Green Bean

As we’ve touched upon, Haricots Verts translate directly to “green beans” in French, but they are distinct from the common green beans you might typically find. These are typically harvested at a younger, more tender stage, which gives them their characteristic longer, thinner, and more delicate shape. Their refined appearance isn’t just for show; Haricots Verts boast a finer texture and a slightly sweeter, less fibrous flavor profile than their thicker counterparts. This inherent delicacy makes them incredibly appealing, both on the palate and for their elegant presentation on any serving platter, particularly during special occasions.

The gentle flavor of Haricots Verts allows them to absorb the nuanced tastes of dressings and sauces exceptionally well, without being overpowered. When selecting them at the market, look for beans that are firm, brightly colored, and snap easily when bent. Avoid any with brown spots, wilting, or a rubbery feel, as these are signs of age. While Haricots Verts are increasingly available in many grocery stores, if your local market doesn’t carry them, don’t despair! You can absolutely substitute them with fresh, regular green beans. Just keep in mind that thicker varieties may require an additional minute or two of cooking to achieve that coveted crisp-tender texture we’re aiming for. Remember, the goal is always a vibrant green and a slight bite, ensuring they remain a refreshing contrast to your main dish.

Mastering the Art of Prepping and Cooking Haricots Verts

Preparing Haricots Verts for cooking is wonderfully straightforward, making them an excellent choice for a low-stress holiday side. Some pre-packaged varieties might come pre-trimmed, saving you a step. However, if you purchase them loose from the bin, you’ll need to trim the tough stem ends before cooking. This process is quick and efficient: simply gather small handfuls of beans, aligning all the stem ends in one direction, and use a sharp knife to cut off just the very tips where the stem attaches. There’s no need to trim the tapered tail end of the bean, as these tips are perfectly tender and edible, contributing to their elegant, long appearance. This small detail ensures every bite is enjoyable and visually appealing.

The key to perfectly cooked Haricots Verts is achieving a crisp-tender texture—bright green, slightly yielding, but still with a satisfying snap. This is best accomplished by blanching them in a large pot of generously salted boiling water for just 5-7 minutes. The salt not only seasons the beans but also helps preserve their vibrant color. Once they reach the desired doneness, immediately transfer the green beans to a bowl of ice water. This crucial step, known as shocking, instantly halts the cooking process, preventing them from becoming overcooked and mushy, and locking in that beautiful green hue. After a minute or two in the ice bath, drain them thoroughly.

For those who love to plan ahead, Haricots Verts are an excellent make-ahead vegetable. You can cook them a day in advance, ensuring they are completely dry, then wrap them in paper towels and store them in a plastic zip-top bag in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply toss them in the warm, luscious lemon-herb brown butter sauce and gently heat them through, which takes only a few minutes. This pre-preparation strategy allows you to enjoy more time with your guests and less time scrambling in the kitchen on the big day.

Brown Butter (Beurre Noisette): A Culinary Game Changer

Few ingredients possess the transformative power of brown butter, or beurre noisette as it’s known in French. It’s a culinary secret weapon that adds a layer of richness, a captivating aroma, and a deeply nutty flavor reminiscent of toasted hazelnuts to almost any dish. This golden elixir is not just for desserts; it’s a phenomenal enhancement for an array of ingredients, from delicate vegetables and tender fish to comforting pasta dishes and exquisite baked goods. Its ability to elevate simple ingredients into something extraordinary is why it’s so beloved by chefs and home cooks alike.

Despite its sophisticated flavor, brown butter is incredibly easy to make. The key lies in attentiveness during the browning process, which involves carefully observing the butter’s transformation. You’ll need a light-colored skillet or heavy-bottomed pot, which allows you to easily monitor the change in color. Begin by melting unsalted butter over medium heat. As it melts, the water content will evaporate, causing the butter to foam. This foaming action is a good sign that the milk solids within the butter are beginning their caramelization journey. Soon after, these milk solids will start to turn a beautiful light golden color. It’s crucial to gently swirl the pan during this stage to ensure even browning and prevent scorching.

The transition from perfectly brown butter to regrettably burned butter happens swiftly, so maintaining a watchful eye is paramount. For most recipes, I recommend removing the butter from the heat and transferring it to a heat-proof bowl a shade lighter than your desired final color. This allows residual heat to complete the browning process without overcooking. However, for this Haricots Verts recipe, where the beans will be tossed directly in the pan, you can pull the pan off the heat when the butter is just beginning to achieve that golden hue. At this point, immediately stir in the fresh lemon juice and herbs. The acidity of the lemon not only brightens the flavors but also helps to temper the browning process, ensuring a perfectly balanced sauce. The entire brown butter sauce takes just about 5 minutes from start to finish, proving that exceptional flavor doesn’t have to be complicated.

Perfect Pairings: Holiday Recipes to Serve with Haricots Verts

These elegant and effortlessly delicious Haricots Verts with Brown Butter Herb Sauce are incredibly versatile, making them an ideal accompaniment to virtually any holiday main course. Their light, fresh, and slightly nutty profile beautifully complements the richness of festive meats and poultry, providing a delightful textural and flavor contrast that enhances the overall meal. Whether you’re planning a traditional feast or something a bit more unconventional, these green beans will fit right in. Looking for further inspiration to complete your holiday spread? Here are some of our most beloved holiday dinner recipes that would pair magnificently with this exquisite side dish:

Mains:

Slow Roasted Prime Rib: The delicate green beans cut through the richness of a succulent prime rib, offering a refreshing counterpoint.
Beef Tenderloin with Cognac Cream Sauce: The earthy herbs in the brown butter sauce will echo the sophisticated flavors of the tenderloin, creating a harmonious blend.
Apple and Herb Brined Turkey: The bright lemon and fresh herbs in the Haricots Verts complement the aromatic flavors of a perfectly brined turkey.
Strawberry-Chipotle Glazed Ham: The slight tang and sweetness of the ham are beautifully balanced by the savory, nutty green beans.

Sides:

To create a truly balanced and memorable holiday plate, consider pairing these Haricots Verts with other festive sides that offer different textures and flavor profiles:

Parmesan Duchess Potatoes: A classic and elegant potato side that provides a creamy texture next to the crisp beans.
Caramelized Shallot and Cheddar Mashed Potatoes: The savory depth of these mashed potatoes offers a hearty contrast.
Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes: For an extra creamy and indulgent potato option that pairs well with the lightness of the beans.
Mulled Wine Cranberry Sauce: The spiced sweetness of a homemade cranberry sauce adds a festive fruit element.
Cranberry-Pecan Stuffing: A comforting, aromatic stuffing with hints of fruit and nut, providing a textural counterpoint.

Haricots Verts with Brown Butter Herb Sauce Recipe

By Amanda Biddle

Crisp-tender Haricots Verts (French Green Beans) lightly tossed with rich brown butter, bright lemon juice, and fragrant fresh herbs. This perfect holiday side dish effortlessly complements your favorite poultry, meats, and seafood.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 16 minutes

Total Time: 36 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

1 pound Haricots Verts, washed and stem ends trimmed
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1 tablespoon pieces
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon snipped fresh chives
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly-ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Bring a large pot of lightly-salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the trimmed Haricots Verts and cook until they are vibrant green and crisp-tender, typically about 5-7 minutes. Immediately transfer the cooked green beans into a large bowl filled with ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve their bright color. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
In a skillet or heavy-bottomed pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. As the butter melts, it will begin to foam. Continue cooking, gently swirling the pan frequently to ensure even heat distribution, until the milk solids at the bottom of the pan turn a light golden brown and release a fragrant, nutty aroma. Be vigilant, as brown butter can quickly burn.
Remove the pan from the heat immediately. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, snipped chives, chopped thyme leaves, and chopped rosemary. Season the sauce with 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly-ground black pepper.
Add the blanched and drained green beans to the pan with the brown butter mixture. Toss gently to ensure all the Haricots Verts are thoroughly coated.
Return the pan to medium heat and sauté the green beans for approximately 3 minutes, or just until they are heated through and glistening with the sauce.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately as a delightful and elegant side dish.

Nutrition Estimate

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Please note that our recipes have been developed using the US Customary measurement system and have not been tested for high altitude/elevation cooking and baking.

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