Are string beans and green beans the same thing?

Yes - they are one and the same! Green beans used to have fibrous "strings" running down the length of the pod similar to snap peas. However, modern green bean varieties no longer have these strings and now can only be found in some heirloom varieties.

How do you make green beans taste good?

I love using the blanch and sauté method. Blanching first gives you the tender crisp texture and vibrant color. Then you sauté in flavorful ingredients to make them taste amazing. In this recipe, we sauté in garlic butter and toss with parmesan and toppings. Believe me, these green beans taste good!

Garlic Butter Green Beans (with parmesan)

Description

These Garlic Butter Green Beans are a delicious and easy to make side dish that everybody will be asking for seconds of.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound green beans, trimmed (454 g)
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
pinch of nutmeg
salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan
Optional toppings (see notes for ideas)

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Instructions

Blanch: Blanch the green beans by cooking them in a pot of boiling water for 2-3 minutes (tender crisp). Transfer immediately to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process. Once cool, drain and set aside.
Sauté: Melt the butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and stir until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add the green beans and toss until evenly coated and heated through. Season to taste with nutmeg, salt and pepper. Remove pan from the heat and stir through the parmesan.
Serve: Garnish and serve. Toppings are optional but highly recommended! See notes for ideas.

Notes

Butter: Salted or unsalted are both fine. You could also use ghee instead.
Nutmeg: I prefer using whole nutmeg. I grate a small amount of it directly over top of the green beans with a handheld fine grater.
Toppings: Garnishing with a few toppings is optional but highly recommended for some additional textures and flavors. Some ideas include: parmesan shavings, toasted pine nuts or almonds, chopped pistachios, lemon zest, chili flakes, crispy bacon bits, crispy onions or fried shallots, crumbled goat cheese or blue cheese.
Make Ahead: The green beans can be blanched ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a few days. Simply sauté in the garlic butter when ready to serve.