Green Beans with Garlic Bread Crumbs

When it comes to Thanksgiving sides, we almost always have a version of green beans on our table. We admit, when we hear Thanksgiving and green beans in the same sentence, our mind immediately goes to green bean casserole. We did not grow up with green bean casserole, so in our minds green beans are meant to be crisp, sweet, and bright green in color. Green bean casserole is anything but the bright, green form of green beans we know and love. Although we are not the biggest fans of the mushroom soup coated green beans, we still love to feature a plate of green beans on our table. 

This green bean recipe is a play on the classic casserole but instead of a mushroom soup, they are sauteed in oil. They are then topped with garlic bread crumbs and crispy shallots which mimic the crunchy topping of green bean casserole. Once you try these green beans you will never go back to the casserole ways. They are bright and full of flavor from the shallots, parmesan, and garlic bread crumbs. Each bite of these green beans is packed with flavor and serves as the perfect side dish. 

To make the green beans with garlic bread crumbs:

To make the green beans, there are five steps, but each is quick and worth the effort. 

Step 1: blanch the green beans (haricots verts)

Step 2: make the fried shallots and shallot oil 

Step 3: make the garlic bread crumbs 

Step 4: saute the cold green beans in the shallot oil 

Step 5: top with fried shallots, garlic bread crumbs, parmesan and lemon zest 

Step 1: Blanching the green beans: 

To blanch the green beans, heavily salt a pot of boiling water. Once the water is boiling, toss in your trimmed haricots verts and cook for 4 minutes. While the green beans are cooking, set a bowl of ice water to the side to pour the strained, cooked green beans into. This step is called blanching. Blanching is when you put something into hot water to cook it and immediately shock it with cold water to stop the cooking. It’s a step that’s worth the effort to prevent things from over cooking.

After 4 minutes, the green beans should be slightly softened but still bright in color. The goal is to have them slightly under done as they will go back in a pan to finish. When they are at this stage, strain the green beans and dump them into the ice water. Once they have cooled, remove them from the ice water and place on a towel to dry.

Step 2: Fried shallots and shallot oil:

The shallot oil is what gives these green beans so much flavor. When making fried shallots, the frying process leaves behind the most delicious, sweet shallot flavored oil. It’s perfect for sauteing the green beans to bring even more flavor to the dish. Plus, the fried shallots bring salty, sweet flavor and crunch to the green beans, so it’s a win-win!

To make the oil and fried shallots, place canola oil or avocado oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s warm and glistening (but not smoking) put all the shallots into the oil and fry until golden brown. Stir them frequently to ensure an even fry. This will happen fast so keep an eye on them. Once they are golden, remove them from the oil with a spider spoon or through a strainer making sure not to waste any oil.  Place the fried shallots on a cookie sheet lined with paper towels and sprinkle with salt. Reserve the oil to heat the green beans.

Step 3: Making the garlic bread crumbs:

To make the garlic bread crumbs, combine butter and 1 clove grated or finely minced garlic in a pan. Cook the butter and garlic until it is fragrant but just before it starts to brown (just 1 minute). Once the garlic begins to get fragrant, add in the panko bread crumbs. Stir the mixture until well distributed and toast over medium heat until golden. Remove from heat and set aside. This step takes 3 minutes and makes the bread crumbs so toasty and garlicky, it’s worth the step. We love adding these garlic bread crumbs to pastas and salads and often make bigger batches and freeze it to elevate a dish.

Step 4: Sauté the green beans:

On high heat, place the reserved shallot oil and re-heat until glistening. Place the green beans in the oil with salt, pepper, and lemon zest and saute until heated through. Remove the green beans from the oil with tongs and place onto a serving plate. There will be some remaining oil in the pan that can be discarded.

Step 5: Assemble the green beans: 

Once the green beans are heated, top with grated parmesan, garlic bread crumbs and fried shallots. 

Entertainer’s Note:

Make all parts of the green beans in advance and just heat the oil and beans when guests arrive. Top with all the toppings you’ve already prepared.