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French Green Beans with Caramelized Onions

Crisp French Green Beans with Caramelized Onions combines fresh garden flavor with a slightly sweet, creamy and tangy topping.
5 from 3 votes
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 117kcal

Ingredients  

French Green Beans:

  • 16 oz French green beans - rinsed and stems trimmed
  • 1 tablespoon fine sea salt

Caramelized Onions:

  • 1 large sweet onion - trimmed, quartered and thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup chicken or vegetable broth - *more if needed
  • 1 tablespoon white wine
  • splash lemon juice - freshly squeezed
  • 1 clove garlic - finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoon creme fraiche
  • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon - finely chopped
  • fresh bread crumbs, parmesan cheese or Crispy Mushrooms (see note) - *optional toppings

Instructions

  • Begin with the onions because they will take about 45-50 minutes to cook.  They are well worth the time!
  • Heat a medium frying pan with olive oil and cook the onions on a medium high heat until they begin to soften (about 5-10 minutes).  Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste and turn the heat down to medium (do this sooner if the onions are browning).   If the pan is looking dry or the onions are sticking, add a splash of chicken or vegetable broth. 
  • After 30 to 35 minutes, add in the wine, lemon juice and garlic when the onions are lightly browned and translucent. Turn the heat down even more if the onions are sticking or frying instead of caramelizing.   Add more broth if they need to cook more and the pan becomes dry. 
  • After about 45 minutes of cooking, add in the creme fraiche and dijon mustard.  Let it heat through and stir in the tarragon when you are ready to serve.
  • Heat a large stock pot with water and salt to a boil.  Add the green beans and allow them to cook for 2-3 minutes.  Drain the water and place the beans in a serving dish.  Pour the caramelized onion mixture on top of the green beans, garnish with toast fresh breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese or crispy mushrooms.

Notes

Fresh bread crumbs can be made by placing 1 slice of sandwich bread in a food processor and pulsing until fine crumbs form.  They can be used fresh or toasted in a dry frying pan until lightly browned. 
Crispy Mushrooms are a fantastic topping!  Recipe and instructions for making them can be found within the recipe for Goat Cheese Grits with Crispy Mushrooms.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
French Green Beans with Caramelized Onions
Amount per Serving
Calories
117
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
5
g
8
%
Saturated Fat
 
1
g
6
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
3
g
Sodium
 
1866
mg
81
%
Potassium
 
407
mg
12
%
Carbohydrates
 
16
g
5
%
Fiber
 
4
g
17
%
Sugar
 
8
g
9
%
Protein
 
4
g
8
%
Vitamin A
 
860
IU
17
%
Vitamin C
 
19
mg
23
%
Calcium
 
84
mg
8
%
Iron
 
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.