Ina Garten String Beans With Shallots Recipe

This Ina Garten String Beans With Shallots Recipe is a simple and elegant side dish, which uses fresh green beans and caramelized shallots. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in just 20 minutes.

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Ina Garten String Beans With Shallots Recipe Ingredients

• 1½ pounds fresh string beans (green beans), trimmed
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons good olive oil
• 3 large shallots, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

How To Make Ina Garten String Beans With Shallots

1. Blanch the beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 2–3 minutes, until just tender but still vibrant. Drain and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water. Once cooled, drain again and set aside.
2. Caramelize the shallots: In a large sauté pan, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden.
3. Sauté the beans: Add the blanched green beans to the pan. Toss to coat with the shallots and cook for 3–4 minutes until heated through.
4. Season and serve: Season with kosher salt and black pepper. Toss once more and serve hot.

Recipe Tips

• Can I make this ahead of time?
  Yes, blanch the green beans and caramelize the shallots in advance. Reheat together just before serving.
• What’s the best way to slice shallots thinly?
  Use a sharp knife or mandoline for even, delicate slices.
• Can I use frozen green beans?
  Fresh is best, but you can use thawed frozen beans—skip the blanching step.
• How to add flavor variations:
  Try adding a squeeze of lemon juice, slivered almonds, or crispy bacon for extra depth.
• Can I use pearl onions instead of shallots?
  Yes, but slice them thin and cook a bit longer for proper caramelization.

What To Serve With String Beans and Shallots

This versatile side dish goes great with:

• Roast chicken or turkey
• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Baked salmon or grilled steak
• Mushroom risotto
• Thanksgiving or holiday meals

How To Store String Beans With Shallots

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Freeze: Not recommended, as the texture of the green beans and shallots may change after thawing.

String Beans With Shallots Nutrition Facts

Estimated per serving (1 of 4):

• Calories: ~160
• Carbohydrates: ~10g
• Protein: ~2g
• Fat: ~13g
• Fiber: ~4g
• Sodium: ~300mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and methods used.

FAQs

Can I use haricots verts instead of regular green beans?
Yes, haricots verts are thinner and more tender, so they may need slightly less cooking time.

Can I caramelize shallots in advance?
Absolutely—store them in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat with the beans.

Can I use only butter or only oil?
Yes, but the butter-oil combo adds both flavor and a higher smoke point.

How do I keep green beans crisp?
Don’t over-blanch, and cool them immediately in ice water to stop cooking.

Can this be served at room temperature?
Yes, it’s still flavorful when slightly cooled, making it great for potlucks.

Try More Recipes:

• Barefoot Contessa Spinach Pie Recipe
• Barefoot Contessa Mustard Roasted Potatoes Recipe
• Ina Garten Stuffed Zucchini Recipe