Today, I'm taking you on a little journey back to 1999, a year that forever changed my culinary outook as I visited France for the first time. Just imagine a charming neighborhood in Paris, the aroma of amazing food wafting through the streets from tiny bistros... and then I fall head-over-heels in love with this Haricot Vert Recipe. Yes, you read that right – green beans!
Let's explore this vegetable side dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal or as a wonderful side dish for any holiday... whether Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, or whatever you might be celebrating! We will make it just as I first had it, in a little bistro in Paris.
This recipe is:
Table of Contents
7 Reasons to Love This Recipe
Here are seven reasons why this haricot vert recipe is a must-try:
- The perfect side dish for almost any protein.
- Traditional French-style recipe updated with easy instructions.
- Bright, vibrant flavors make this a memorable dish.
- Crisp green beans that taste amazing.
- It’s a low-carb side dish that anyone will eat.
- Perfect way to get kids to try green beans.
- Simple ingredients that are easy to make.
Inspiration for This Haricot Verts Recipe
I'd been a self-proclaimed and proud green bean hater since childhood. We never really had fresh green beans growing up, but the canned ones seemed to make it into everything from casseroles to a strange melange of mixed vegetables... all lacking in vibrance and flavor.
When I was visiting Paris for the first time, the last thing that I expected was to fall in love with green beans... and to be completely honest, I was actually quite angry that they showed up on my plate. I ordered a side of haricot verts!
I remember expecting something amazing that I'd never seen before being delivered to the table. But they were actually just green beans with slivered almonds. I decided to give them a try because, after all, it's Paris!
Wow. That's all I can say. Nothing mushy or flavorless here. The hint of lemon elevates the dish, while the toasted almonds add a nutty comfort to the entire dish. It's just about perfect.
Now, let's recreate this magical dish in your kitchen... and I'll take you through how to prepare for the busy holiday season too.
What are Haricot Verts?
Haricot verts are a type of green bean known for their slender and tender nature. Originating from France, these beans are thinner and often more flavorful than the typical green beans found in American grocery stores.
They are a staple in French cuisine, valued for their delicate texture and slightly sweet taste. Haricot verts can be cooked in various ways – steamed, blanched, sautéed – and are often used in salads, side dishes, and main courses.
Is French Haricot Vert Low-Carb or Keto?
For those of you following a low-carb or keto lifestyle like me, you're in luck! Haricot verts are an excellent choice for keeping the carb count on the low side.
These slender green beans are not only packed with flavor but also low in carbohydrates. A typical serving of haricot verts contains just a few grams of carbs, making them a perfect fit for a low-carb or ketogenic diet.
They're rich in fiber and nutrients, offering a healthy, flavorful option that doesn't smash through daily carb counts like potatoes or rice.
Haricots Verts vs Green Beans
While haricot verts and green beans are often used interchangeably, there are some distinct differences between the two. Haricot verts are generally longer, thinner, and more tender than regular green beans. They also cook faster due to their delicate nature and tend to have a more intense flavor.
Regular green beans, on the other hand, are thicker and have a slightly tougher texture. They can require a longer cooking time to become tender. For more ideas, check out our other green bean recipes to explore different ways to enjoy this versatile vegetable.
What Are the Ingredients to Make Haricot Verts in Your Own Kitchen?
Let's take a closer look at the key ingredients for our French-style haricot verts recipe and their roles:
- Haricot verts: The star of the show, these French green beans bring elegance and a tender-crisp texture to the dish.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Used for sautéing, it adds a rich, fruity flavor and healthy fats, perfect for low-carb diets.
- Slivered almonds: These add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, enhancing the dish's overall texture and taste.
- Garlic: Just a bit of garlic infuses the beans with a fragrant, savory depth.
- Lemon zest: This brings a bright, citrusy note that lifts the flavors and adds a refreshing touch.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning, they enhance the natural flavors of the beans and almonds.
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making this dish a true delight.
Haricot Vert Recipe Ingredients List
Here is a list of the ingredients with their required quantities to make Haricot Vert:
- 1 pound haricots verts (French green beans), ends trimmed
- ¼ cup slivered almonds
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- zest of 1 lemon
- salt and freshly ground black pepper,r to taste
Ingredient Substitutions
Missing an ingredient? No worries! Here are some easy swaps to keep your haricot vert recipe on track.
- Haricots verts: Use regular green beans. Just ensure they are cleaned and stems removed.
- Olive oil: Use coconut oil, MCT oil, avocado oil, ghee or clarified butter.
- Slivered almonds: Substitute with pine nuts or simply omit.
- Lemon zest: Use a splash of fresh lemon juice. Lime zest and juice just don’t work in this recipe.
Additional Ingredients
Want to make your haricot vert recipe even more delicious? Here are some simple and tasty additions that pair perfectly with the main ingredients:
- Cheese: This recipe loves a touch of shredded or grated parmesan. It brings a nice richness to the dish. You could even add the parmesan and brown it under the broiler for a few minutes to enhance the flavor.
- Spice: Bring on the heat with some red pepper flakes. I like to melt some butter in a separate pan over low heat and add about ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. This lets the flakes soften and mellow out just a touch before adding to the green beans.
- Onions: There’s no doubt that these green beans love to be paired with some sautéed onions. It’s truly a delicious side dish if you have them on hand.
- Bacon: Adding in a bit of chopped, cooked bacon takes this dish from amazing to outstanding, in my opinion! I also love to add some of my homemade bacon bits.
Note: These additional ingredients are optional and are not included in the recipe for haricot vert.
Cooking Tools Required
Here is a list of tools you need to make this easy haricot vert recipe:
- Large pot
- Large bowl
- Ice cubes
- Dry skillet
- Medium heat source (stove)
- Tongs
- Platter
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Zester
How to Make Haricot Vert Recipe: Complete Cooking Guide
Creating this French-style haricot verts dish is simple yet elegant cooking. Begin by blanching your haricot verts in a pot of boiling salted water. You're looking for that tender-crisp texture, achieved in just a few minutes. Then, swiftly move them to an ice bath. This step is crucial - it stops the cooking process and locks in that vibrant green color.
Next, the almonds. Toast them in a dry skillet until they turn a lovely golden brown, releasing a nutty aroma that's absolutely irresistible. Set these aside; they're going to be the crunchy topper to this dish.
Now, let's get those green beans flavored up. In the same skillet, warm some extra virgin olive oil and toss in the minced garlic. You want it fragrant but not burnt, just a quick dance in the oil. Then, in go the haricot verts. Give them a good toss in the garlic-infused oil, heating them through and letting them soak up all those wonderful flavors.
The final act is a sprinkle of lemon zest, the toasted almonds, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This isn't just cooking; it's creating a harmony of flavors and textures that turn simple ingredients into a dish that’s both comforting and delightful.
Serve these haricot green beans hot off the skillet, and watch as they bring a little piece of France to your table. Whether it's a weeknight dinner or a special holiday meal, this recipe is sure to impress with its balance of simplicity and sophistication.
Cooking Method
- Blanching
- Toasting
Sautéing
Preparation Steps
- Gather all the tools and ingredients for this recipe.
- Trim the ends of haricot verts.
- Mince garlic cloves.
Cooking Instructions
- Prepare a large bowl of water (large enough to fit all the cooked beans) and ice cubes. Set aside until the beans are cooked.
- Blanch the beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Be sure the water is salted well. Add the beans and cook for 3-4 minutes or until tender. Covering may help speed up the cooking process. When the beans are vibrant green and tender-crisp, transfer the beans to iced water. This will stop the beans from getting soft. Set aside.
- Toast the almonds: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the almonds, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and fragrant. Be careful, as they will burn quickly if left unattended. Remove the almonds from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the beans: Heat the olive oil in the skillet, still over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for a minute or two, stirring to prevent burning. While the garlic cooks, drain the beans. When the garlic is almost finished cooking, increase the heat to medium-high and add the drained haricot verts. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the beans are heated through. Stir frequently to avoid burning the garlic.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Add most of the toasted almonds and most of the lemon zest. Toss with tongs in the pan, then taste and adjust with salt and pepper. Transfer to a platter and top with the remaining toasted almonds and lemon zest. Serve immediately.
Step 1: Blanch the beans until tender crisp. Remove with a basket skimmer.
Step 2: Immediately plunge the green beans into an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
Step 3: Toast the almonds in a pan, keeping a close watch to prevent burning.
Step 4: Cook the garlic for 2 minutes, stirring to prevent burning.
Step 5: Add the beans to the garlic, continue to cook until the beans are warmed through.
Step 6: Add the toasted almonds and lemon zest to the beans. Mix well and serve immediately.
💡 My Pro Tip
Blanching is simple but crucial. For this recipe, we’ll blanch the green beans by plunging the hot beans into an ice water bath. This stops the cooking process, keeping the beans crisp and vibrant and preserving their flavor.
Here’s why it matters:
- Keeps the beans crisp and delicious
- Retains their beautiful green color
- Preserves the green bean flavor, blending perfectly with the other ingredients
Without blanching, the beans can become overcooked. My tip: use your largest mixing bowl filled with ice and cold water. This stops the cooking immediately. I use tongs or a wok spider to remove the beans from the ice water bath.
⏲️ Time-Saving Tips
- Buy green beans that have already been washed and trimmed.
- Blanch the beans in advance. A great holiday tip is to blanch them early in the day and store them in the refrigerator. Finish the recipe closer to mealtime. This not only saves time but also reduces last-minute cooking stress.
- Use roasted garlic instead of fresh. It saves time and adds a wonderful flavor.
What to Serve with Haricot Vert Recipe?
Haricots verts are a versatile side dish that pairs well with many main courses. Here are some low-carb and paleo-friendly options:
- Rotisserie Chicken: Nothing beats the simplicity and flavor of a classic rotisserie chicken. Its juicy, tender meat and crispy skin make it a crowd-pleaser. Paired with the elegance of French Haricots Verts, it's a match made in culinary heaven for any occasion.
- Luscious Leg of Lamb Recipe: Elevate your dining experience with this luscious leg of lamb. Its rich, savory flavors, infused with herbs and spices, complement the delicate taste of the haricots verts, creating a luxurious and satisfying meal.
- Baked Chicken Leg Quarters: These baked chicken leg quarters are all about comfort and flavor. The crispy skin and succulent meat pair wonderfully with the light and elegant haricots verts, balancing richness with freshness on your plate.
- Grilled Thick-Cut Pork Chops: Imagine the smoky, juicy goodness of grilled thick-cut pork chops alongside the crisp, fresh haricots verts. This combination is not only delicious but also adds a hearty element to your meal, perfect for any gathering.
- Lemon Artichoke Chicken: The zesty and tangy flavors of lemon artichoke chicken bring a bright and refreshing twist. When served with haricots verts, it creates a harmonious blend of citrus notes and subtle green bean crispness, offering a lighter yet flavorful meal.
- Slow Cooker Coq au Vin: Indulge in the rich, deep flavors of slow cooker coq au vin. This classic French dish, with its tender chicken and savory sauce, pairs beautifully with the light and crunchy haricots verts, making for an effortlessly elegant meal.
Holiday Haricot Verts Preparation: Making Ahead for Ease
When the holidays roll around, my kitchen becomes a hotbed of activity. I've written down some steps to help you stay calm this upcoming holiday season. Following these simple steps not only saves time but also allows you to enjoy your holiday gatherings with less stress. Here's how to prep your haricot verts ahead of time and effortlessly bring them together right before serving:
- Blanch the beans in advance: A day or two before your holiday meal, blanch the haricot verts as per the recipe. This step partially cooks the beans while preserving their vibrant green color and crisp texture. After blanching, plunge them into ice water to halt the cooking process, then drain them thoroughly. Store the cooled beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Toast the almonds: Toasting the almonds can also be done ahead of time. Once cooled, keep them in a sealed container at room temperature. This way, they'll retain their crunch and be ready to add that perfect nutty flavor to your dish.
- Mince the garlic and prepare lemon zest: You can also mince the garlic and prepare the lemon zest a day in advance. Keep them in small, separate containers in the fridge to preserve their freshness and aroma.
- Quick final assembly: When it's time to serve, all you need to do is quickly sauté the minced garlic in olive oil, toss in the pre-blanched haricot verts to heat them through, and then mix in the toasted almonds and lemon zest. This final step takes just a few minutes, ensuring your haricot verts are warm and bursting with flavor right when you're ready to eat.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storing
Once you've enjoyed your meal, if you find yourself with leftovers, don't worry! This dish stores beautifully. Simply place the cooled haricot verts in an airtight container and refrigerate. They'll keep well for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often meld and deepen with time, making your next serving possibly even more delicious than the first. After too many days, however, reviving the beans is difficult.
Freezing
Freezing haricot verts is a great way to extend their shelf life while maintaining most of their texture and flavor. After cooking, let them cool completely. It's important to skip the lemon zest if you plan to freeze, as it's best added fresh. Spread the beans and almonds in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Remember, freezing may slightly alter the texture, but they'll still be tasty!
Reheating
When it's time to reheat, you've got options. If they're refrigerated, simply reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warm. Add a splash of water or extra olive oil if they seem dry. For frozen haricot verts, it's best to let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Alternatively, you can reheat them directly from frozen in a covered skillet, adding a little water to help them steam back to life. After reheating, add the fresh lemon zest to revive that citrusy freshness burst.
Recipe Conclusion
This is the best Haricot Vert Recipe, and it will surely become a favorite in your kitchen! With its vibrant green beans, crunchy almonds, and a zesty hint of lemon, this side dish brings a touch of elegance to any meal. It's simple, tasty, and versatile, making it a perfect addition to your dinner table.
I hope you’re as excited to try this recipe as I am to share it! Get those green beans ready, and let’s make mealtimes something special. Don’t forget to experiment with the ingredient swaps and additional touches to make it your own. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Explore More Holiday Side Dishes
- Green Beans & Mushrooms: Dive into the earthy flavors of this dish where green beans meet the rich, umami taste of mushrooms. It's a combination that's both comforting and sophisticated, perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your holiday table.
- Spicy Roasted Cauliflower: Give your holiday spread a kick with this spicy roasted cauliflower. It's not just about the heat; it's about how the roasting brings out a nutty, almost buttery flavor in the cauliflower. A must-try for those who love a little spice in their life.
- Spicy Roasted Broccolini: This dish takes the unique, slightly bitter taste of broccolini and pairs it with a zesty spice blend. Roasting enhances its natural flavors, making it a bold and vibrant addition to any holiday meal.
- Baked Brussels Sprouts Gratin: Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of this Brussels sprouts gratin. It's a decadent side that combines the nutty taste of Brussels sprouts with a rich, gratin topping. Perfect for those special occasions where you want to treat yourself and your guests.
- Sinfully Delicious Smashed Potatoes (not low carb!): Embrace the indulgence with these smashed potatoes. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and packed with flavor, they're a sinful delight that's worth every bite. While not low-carb, they're an irresistible treat for special gatherings.
- Rustic Provençal Ratatouille: Experience the flavors of Provence with this rustic ratatouille. It's a medley of summer vegetables cooked to perfection, creating a symphony of flavors and colors. It's not just a side dish; it's a celebration of vegetables at their best.
- Braised Carrots with Thyme (not low-carb): These braised carrots are tender, sweet, and infused with the aromatic presence of thyme. It's a simple yet elegant dish that proves sometimes, the simplest ingredients make the most memorable flavors.
FAQs
After living in France for over 5 years, let me help. The term 'haricot verts' is pronounced as [ah-ree-koh vair]. In this pronunciation, 'haricot' is said with a silent 'h' and a soft 't', while 'verts' ends with a pronounced 'r' but a silent 't'. The term literally translates to 'green bean' in French, and the pronunciation carries that elegant French sound.
Haricot Vert Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound haricots verts French green beans, ends trimmed
- ¼ cup slivered almonds
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- zest of 1 lemon
- salt and freshly ground black pepper r to taste
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Gather all the tools and ingredients for this recipe.
- Trim the ends of haricot verts.
- Mince garlic cloves.
Cooking Instructions
- Prepare a large bowl of water (large enough to fit all the cooked beans) and ice cubes. Set aside until the beans are cooked.
- Blanch the beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Be sure the water is salted well. Add the beans and cook for 3-4 minutes or until tender. Covering may help speed up the cooking process. When the beans are vibrant green and tender-crisp, transfer the beans to iced water. This will stop the beans from getting soft. Set aside.
- Toast the almonds: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the almonds, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and fragrant. Be careful, as they will burn quickly if left unattended. Remove the almonds from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the beans: Heat the olive oil in the skillet, still over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for a minute or two, stirring to prevent burning. While the garlic cooks, drain the beans. When the garlic is almost finished cooking, increase the heat to medium-high and add the drained haricot verts. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the beans are heated through. Stir frequently to avoid burning the garlic.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Add most of the toasted almonds and most of the lemon zest. Toss with tongs in the pan, then taste and adjust with salt and pepper. Transfer to a platter and top with the remaining toasted almonds and lemon zest. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Proper trimming is key. Remove the stem end of each bean for a clean, uniform look. This not only improves the presentation but also ensures even cooking. You can trim the green beans several days in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Blanching the haricot verts is crucial. It cooks them just enough to be tender yet keeps them crisp and bright green. Without this step, the beans will be super crispy and very green tasting.
- Toasting almonds can be tricky; they can go from perfectly golden to burnt in seconds. Keep a constant eye on them and stir frequently for even toasting. Remove them from the skillet as soon as they're done to prevent burning.
- For an indulgent twist, consider adding a small knob of butter towards the end of sautéing. It gives the beans a luxurious, rich flavor that's hard to resist.
- A great holiday tip: Blanch the beans early in the day and store them in the refrigerator. Finish the recipe closer to mealtime. This not only saves time but also reduces last-minute cooking stress.
- Feel free to experiment with additional herbs or spices for variety. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can add a nice heat, while herbs like thyme or rosemary can introduce an earthy note.
- Don’t underestimate the power of lemon zest. It adds a fresh and vibrant flavor that lifts the dish. Always use fresh zest for the best results.
Nutrition
“This website provides approximate nutrition data and information for convenience and as a courtesy only.”
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