Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Terrific green beans


Last evening's dinner was excellent. We had a beautiful halibut steak, cooked perfectly. I made my first Hasselback potato. I had seen it often on the blogs, but this was our first. It was good, but I used a russet and think I would try a different potato the next time; something a little waxier.

But the real treat of the meal was the green beans. This was the second time I have made them this summer. I found the recipe in "Cook's Illustrated," FALL ENTERTAINING edition. I liked the way the garlic and olive oil was heated in the microwave to cut down the length of time it would take to roast the garlic in the oven. I have been looking for a quick go-to green bean recipe for quite a while, and I think this one is a real winner. I did cut down the amount of garlic by half and I eliminated the sugar the second time. I did not feel it was necessary.

Roasted Garlic Green Beans by Diane Unger - Cook's Illustrated

12 garlic cloves, peeled and halved lengthwise (I used half the garlic )
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon sugar (I did not use this the second time)
1 1/2 pounds green beans, trimmed
3 tablespoons water
4 teaspoons wine vinegar
Salt and ground black pepper

Microwave garlic, oil and sugar, uncovered in a small microwave safe bowl until softened and fragrant, about 1 minute. Transfer 1 tablespoon of the oil to a large nonstick skillet. Reserve the remaining garlic mixture.

Heat skillet over medium high heat until oil is shimmering. Add green beans and water and cook, covered, until bright green, about 3 minutes. Add reserved garlic oil mixture to skillet. Do not stir. Continue to cook, covered, until beans are almost tender, about 3 minutes. Remove lid and cook, stirring occasionally until beans are browned in spots and garlic is golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Off heat, stir in vinegar and season with salt and pepper.

16 comments:

  1. I'd love to be sitting in front of that plate! After you mentioned the Cook's Illustrated Fall Entertaining issue, I've been on a campaign to find a copy--no luck!! I did purchase the, I think "Best Recipes of the Year" or something similar to that (it's out on the porch or I'd check for sure). I'm not giving up. I'll be on the hunt again tomorrow.

    Best,
    Bonnie

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a gorgeous meal. I really like the modifications you've made to the recipe. I hope you are having a great day. Blessings...Mary

    ReplyDelete
  3. This sounds delicious, Susan! I really like how roasting mellows the flavor of garlic. I can't wait to try this recipe.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I have beans from the garden still coming in, so guess what I am going to do next time? Diane

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hasselback potatoes are on my list of dishes to try. Thanks for the tip about the potatoes. I would have used russets. Think I'll go for Yukon Gold instead.

    ReplyDelete
  6. What a lovely plate! Everything sounds so good. Thank you for sharing your green beans recipe; will try these this weekd end,

    ReplyDelete
  7. I'm with Bonnie; I'd love to be sitting in front of that plate... with a fork! Man, that looks good! Thanks for sharing the green been recipe!

    ReplyDelete
  8. The Hassell back potatoe looked expertly cut and yes the beans did look good, not tomention the fish.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I've never tried the Hassellback potato....gosh that sure looks good! Looks like you cut it perfectly, but I'll try another kind of potato on your advice.
    In fact, your entire plate looks delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  10. That Hassellback potato on your pic looks really interesting! I've never heard of it before, but now I'll look it up!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I wonder if you could cook the green beans a bit in the microwave too before putting them in the skillet? My husband doens't like his beans crunchy.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Love the looks of your plate of food and the green beans sound really great. Will give them a try. Those jalapeno poppers look great too!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Wow. The green beans look fantastic Susan. We love green beans. I'll have to give this a try. They sound perfect with fish.
    Sam

    ReplyDelete
  14. Haven't seen potatoes cooked like that. The beans do sound good. Thanks for sharing your recipes.

    ReplyDelete
  15. The beans looks delicious and the Hasselback potatoes are great too! What a great dinner!

    ReplyDelete
  16. I love green beans. Will to try to remember this recipe for next time. Dinner looks delicious!

    ReplyDelete