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Green Beans with Caramelized Shallots and Mushrooms

green beans with caramelized shallots and mushrooms - featured image

A quick and easy side dish featuring tender green beans soaked in the sweet, savory essence of caramelized shallots paired with earthy mushrooms. Perfect for any occasion and packed with fresh veggies and simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) fresh green beans, trimmed and washed
  • 3 medium shallots, thinly sliced
  • 8 ounces (225 g) cremini or baby bella mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 pound (450 g) of green beans under cold water. Trim the ends by snapping or cutting them off. Set aside.
  2. Peel and thinly slice 3 medium shallots. Clean and slice 8 ounces (225 g) of mushrooms into thin strips. Mince 2 garlic cloves.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking and keep their bright color. Drain and set aside.
  4. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots with a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally and cook for about 10-15 minutes until golden and soft.
  5. Once shallots are caramelized, add mushrooms to the pan. Cook for another 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are browned and tender. Add minced garlic and fresh thyme leaves, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  6. Add the blanched green beans to the skillet. Stir well to coat them with the shallot and mushroom mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes to heat through and marry flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Just before serving, squeeze 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice over the dish and give it a final stir.

Notes

If shallots brown too fast, reduce heat and stir more often to avoid burning. Avoid overcrowding mushrooms to ensure proper browning. Use an ice bath for green beans to keep them crisp and vibrant. Season gradually to balance flavors. For a vegan version, replace butter with extra olive oil or vegan margarine. Toasted almonds or walnuts can be added for crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: green beans, caramelized shallots, mushrooms, side dish, easy recipe, healthy, vegetarian, gluten-free