Quickly Cooked Tender Green Beans in a Pan

Quickly Cooked Tender Green Beans in a Pan

Savory Sautéed Green Beans: A Flexible Side Dish

Cook up these bright and tasty green beans for an effortless side dish that pairs brilliantly with various rich main courses. Serve it with favorite meals like Potato Gratin, Brick Chicken, or Chicken Cordon Bleu.

This recipe was showcased in our Thanksgiving for Novices menu.

• Servings: Approximately 6 to 8
• Difficulty Level: A breeze
• Prep Time: 35 minutes total, all active

Ingredients (8)

• Ample salt
• 2 pounds fresh green beans
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Black pepper, freshly ground
• 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup coarsely chopped Italian parsley

Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with well-salted water and bring to a boil. Prepare an ice water bath by filling a large bowl halfway with ice and water. Trim the green beans and cut the onion in half, slicing it thinly.
2. Cook the green beans in boiling water for 3 minutes, making them crisp-tender. Drain them, then plunge them into the ice water bath until cool. Drain again and set aside.
3. Warm the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook until caramelized and golden, approximately 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Add the reserved green beans, vinegar, and sugar. Cook, stirring, until the sugar dissolves, about 2 minutes. Stir in the parsley, re-season with salt and pepper if needed.

Selected Enrichment Data:

Partnering Main Courses

Sautéed green beans harmonize beautifully with a range of main dishes. Here are some choices to consider:

• Rich Combinations: Team sautéed green beans with creamy mashed potatoes and juicy baked chicken for a satisfying blend of flavors.
• Crispy Poultry: The crispy coating of pan-fried chicken breasts goes nicely with the tender green beans.
• Meaty Choices: Whether it's a slow-cooked pot roast or a grilled steak, sautéed green beans add depth to the meal.

Accompanying Side Dishes

1. Crunchy Parmesan Potatoes: The texture contrast between the potatoes and green beans is delightful, while the cheese lends a note of richness.
2. Roasted Broccoli or Asparagus: Mixing roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus with sautéed green beans creates a pleasing medley of textures and flavors.

Useful Tips

• Flavor Variety: If your green beans have soy sauce or pepper and onions, consider dishes with contrasting flavors, such as grilled meats or simple salads.
• Holiday Meal Ideas: For special occasions, pair sautéed green beans with roasted turkey or ham for a traditional feast.

Inspiration from Other Recipes

1. Balsamic Twist: Incorporating balsamic vinegar, as in Balsamic Green Beans, gives a sweet-tart edge to pair with dishes like chicken or pork.
2. Italian Touches: The Italian-style green beans with toasted panko and Parmesan from Italian Green Beans fit well with pasta dishes or seafood.
3. Southern Flavors: Adding bacon, as in Budget-Friendly Green Beans, brings a smoky, hearty savor that complements classic Southern mains like fried chicken or brisket.
4. Sauteed green beans pair wonderfully with various rich main courses such as Potato Gratin, Brick Chicken, or Chicken Cordon Bleu, as showcased in our Thanksgiving for Novices menu.
5. The nutrition in this recipe goes beyond just green beans. Including red wine vinegar, granulated sugar, and Italian parsley, this side dish offers a balance of flavors and nutrients.
6. For a mix of textures and flavors, serve Sautéed Green Beans with Crunchy Parmesan Potatoes or Roasted Broccoli or Asparagus, making it an ideal accompaniment to multiple main courses, giving credit to our Partnering Main Courses, Accompanying Side Dishes, and Inspiration from Other Recipes sections.

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