++ The prep work for this recipe can be done one night before – or earlier in the day. ++
Green Beans with Browned Butter and Sesame Seeds is the last recipe in a series of 6 ‘make ahead’ recipes, all of which can be prepared – or prepped – a day or two ahead, which will help to make your busy life a bit easier! By preparing a few dishes each night for two nights, all you’ll need to do the day of The Big Feast is roast the turkey, make the gravy and cook the green beans.
I’ve been preparing green beans this way for a few years but today it was a bit different as I had to list amounts and cooking times – I usually just ‘wing it’. Guests often ask, “How did you make these beans?” Well, now they know!
Everything was very casual the night of the ‘taste testing’.
MENU
- Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream and Chives
- Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon, Nutmeg and a Dash of Bourbon
- Herb Stuffing with Baby Bella Mushrooms, Celery and Onions
- Green Beans with Browned Butter and Sesame Seeds
- Turkey Breast (or Turkey) with White Wine, Oranges & + Savory Turkey Gravy
- Bonus Recipe – Homemade Whole-Berry Cranberry Sauce with Apple and a Hint of Cinnamon
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++ The amount of beans shown here should serve between 5 – 6 people, depending upon how many other sides dishes you’re serving. I figure approximately a handful of fresh beans for each guest… but I have small hands, so this ‘method’ might not work for you!
++ If you’re having lots and lots of guests and need to cook more beans, just double or triple the browned butter. But remember, the cooking time for the beans will be a bit longer.
Ingredients and Method
- fresh green beans, rinsed – ends snapped ++ You don’t have to snap both ends… although I usually do.
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 Tbs. butter
- 1/8 tsp. Mrs. Dash ‘Garlic & Herb’ seasoning
- 1/4 tsp, salt
- 1 Tbs. sesame seeds
Rinse beans and snap off ends. Snap beans in half if they’re are overly large. (This step can be done either the night before or earlier in the day, just place the beans in a plastic zip lock bag and refrigerate.)
Place beans and 1/2 cup water into a large skillet with a cover. Bring water to a boil. Cover and allow to cook at a light boil for between 10 -12 minutes. ++ Beans will not be fully cooked at this point.
While beans are cooking (or the night before/earlier in the day) prepare the Browned Butter, which only takes about 5 minutes!
Place 2 Tbs. butter, 1/8 tsp. Mrs. Dash ‘Garlic & Herb’ seasoning and 1/4 tsp, salt in a small pan over medium heat. It’s not necessary to stir the butter but you do have to watch it carefully ! After several minutes the butter will have foamed up considerably. Remove pan from heat and add 1 Tbs. sesame seeds. Set browned butter aside until beans are fully cooked.
++ If you prepared the browned butter the night before (or earlier in the day) remove it from the refrigerator and rewarm in the microwave before adding it to the cooked beans.
Remove cover from skillet. Lower heat a bit. Continue cooking for another 5 – 6 minutes, stirring every once in a while. ++ Any remaining water will gradually evaporate, which helps the browned butter to stick to the beans. ++ Be sure not to overcook the beans – you want them crisp-tender!!
Add your prepared browned butter to the beans, mix well — and serve. Easy and delicious!
Happy Holidays to All – Enjoy !
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