Recipe Using Fresh Green Beans

THE BEST GREEN BEANS EVER

Steps:

• Snap the stem ends of the green beans, or cut them off in a big bunch with a knife if you'd prefer.
• Melt the bacon grease in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and onions and cook for a minute. Then add the green beans and cook until the beans turn bright green, about a minute. Add the chicken broth, chopped red pepper, salt and pepper to taste. Turn the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid, leaving the lid cracked to allow steam to escape. Cook until the liquid evaporates and the beans are fairly soft, yet still a bit crisp, 20 to 30 minutes. You can add more chicken broth during the cooking process, but don't be afraid to let it all cook away so the onions and peppers can start to caramelize.

WOK OR SKILLET ASIAN-STYLE FRESH GREEN BEANS

Steps:

• Cook the green beans in a pot of boiling salted water until JUST crisp-tender (about 3 minutes) plunge into an ice water bath to cool completely.
• Drain well and pat the beans dry using paper towels.
• Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat; add in garlic and chili flakes (if using) stir-fry 1 minute.
• Add in beans and stir-fry for about 2 minutes.
• Add in soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar and black pepper; cook until the sauce reduces slightly and coats the beans (about 1-1/2-2 minutes longer).
• If you want a thick sauce mix a small amount of cornstarch with a small amount of cold water and add in towards the end.
• Add in the almonds or sesame seeds; toss to coat and transfer to a bowl.

FRESH GREEN BEANS & GARLIC

Steps:

• In a Dutch oven, heat oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic; cook and stir 45-60 seconds or until golden. Using a slotted spoon, remove garlic from pan; reserve. Add green beans to pan; cook and stir 4-5 minutes or until crisp-tender., Stir in broth, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 8-10 minutes or just until beans are tender and broth is almost evaporated, stirring occasionally. Stir in reserved garlic.

GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE WITH FRESH BEANS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Fill a large bowl with ice and cold water.
• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook, uncovered, until crisp-tender, about 6 minutes. Drain in a colander and immediately immerse in ice water for several minutes to stop the cooking process. Drain and transfer to a large bowl
• Heat 3 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Saute onion in the hot butter until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add mushrooms and garlic; saute until mushrooms are just cooked through, about 5 minutes. Stir into green beans.
• Place remaining 5 tablespoons butter in a 2-quart, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high power in 30 second intervals, until melted.
• Add flour to melted butter and whisk until smooth. Add sea salt and pepper, then add 1 cup of milk; whisk until mixed together. Microwave for 2 minutes. Add the next cup of milk, whisking until smooth; microwave for 2 minutes. The roux mixture should thicken between additions, less so as each cup is added. Add remaining cup of milk; microwave for 2 minutes more, and then whisk.
• Pour the green bean mixture into a 9x13-inch baking pan. Add the thickened roux and combine. Add salt and pepper if desired.
• Bake in the preheated oven until warm and bubbly, about 30 minutes. Top with crispy fried onions and return to the oven for 5 minutes.