String/ Green Beans With Shallots

Courtesy Barefoot Contessa Family Style and are they yummy. Update: August 4/2008 . . .add some heat of some kind. I think that crushed red pepper flakes will add a great zing! or as per Bergy - "2 cloves of garlic crushed &/or 3/4 tsp chilli flakes".

• Ready In: 15 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1  lb  french string bean (haricots verts, ends removed)
•  kosher salt
• 2  tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1  tablespoon olive oil
• 3  large shallots, large diced
• 1⁄2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
•  crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

1. Blanch the string beans in a large pot of boiling salted water for 1-1/2 minutes only.
2. Drain immediately and immerse in a bowl of ice water.
3. Heat the butter and oil in a very large saute pan or large pot(12" diameter) and saute the shallots with crrushed red pepper flakes, if using, on medium heat for 5-10 minutes, tossing occasionally, until lightly browned.
4. Drain the string beans and add to the shallots with 1/2 teaspoon salt and the pepper, tossing well.
5. Heat only until the beans are hot.
6. *If you are using regular string beans, blanch them for about 3 minutes, until they're crisp-tender.