Mangia Mondays: Green Beans With Browned Butter & Shallots

When i was little my Dad used to call me string bean, in addition to a number of other cute names like Ally-gator or doodlebug. But the string bean moniker came from my serious love affair with that delicious vegetable since i first tasted them. My Mom says when i was a toddler i used to double fist handfuls of green beans at the dinner table & scream for more. But I think they knew i had a problem when my Dad caught me in my Papa's garden eating pole beans raw right out of the ground. I guess it was better than sneaking candy, right? Well my love of green beans hasn't died over the years. On the contrary. 

We probably eat them 3-4 nights a week. It's definitely my go-to veggie. The problem is finding different ways to serve them so your husband doesn't get bored or think you need to be checked into green bean rehab. One way i love to cook green beans is by making my bff Andrea's recipe with shallots & browned butter. Let's face it, everything is better with browned butter, and this is no exception.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans, ends removed
• 2 TB butter
• 3 lg shallots, diced
• 1 TB balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• freshly ground pepper

Directions:

1. Blanch the green beans in a large pot of boiling water, salted, for 2 minutes. Drain immediately, and drop the green beans in a large bowl of ice water (to stop the cooking process).
2. In a large saute pan over med-high heat Add the butter and let it brown and bubble. Just be careful not to burn the butter.
3. Once the butter is browned, add the shallots and saute for 3-4 minutes, tossing occasionally until brown. 
4. Pour in the balsamic vinegar and the green beans. Use your big spoon to scoop up some of the browned balsamic butter and toss over the green beans. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. 

So simple, yet sophisticated & scrumptious. I'm not joking when i tell you i could devour that entire pan. I served these last night with some sweet potatoes, a quinoa salad, & Jeff's blackened tuna steaks on the big green egg. And no, there aren't any leftovers ;) I hope y'all give this side dish a shot. Be sure to let me know if you do. Mangia Mangia y'all!