Summery Greens And Beans With Toasted Crumbs Recipes

SUMMERY GREENS AND BEANS WITH TOASTED CRUMBS

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, bring scallions, chard stems, celery, garlic, thyme and oil to a simmer over medium heat until oil is gently bubbling and chard stems are tender, 12 to 15 minutes. You want to slowly cook the vegetables and infuse the oil; you may need to adjust the heat to avoid browning the vegetables.
• Add green beans, lima beans, chard leaves, sugar, 2 teaspoons salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and 2 cups water to the cooked vegetables. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until green beans are just tender, about 8 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat a medium skillet over medium-high and toast bread crumbs, tossing frequently, until golden brown and fragrant, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a heatproof bowl.
• Divide vegetable mixture among bowls and top with the toasted bread crumbs, a drizzle of olive oil and a grind of black pepper. Serve with crusty bread, for soaking up the broth.

GREEN BEANS WITH MUSTARD CREAM SAUCE AND TOASTED ALMONDS

Steps:

• Heat 2 Tbs. of butter in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions; saute, shaking pan occasionally, until golden brown, 5 to 7 minutes.
• Dump onions onto a large cookie sheet. Add green beans, 3/4 cup water and a scant teaspoon salt to the unwashed skillet. Turn heat to high; cover and cook until wisps of steam escape around the lid. Set timer for 5 minutes; cook until bright green but tender.
• Drain beans; transfer to cookie sheet with onions and spread out to cool. (Cooled vegetables can be covered loosely with plastic wrap and set aside at room temperature up to 4 hours ahead.)
• Microwave milk, chicken broth and mustard in a 1-quart Pyrex-type measuring cup until steamy. Heat remaining 2 Tbs. of butter in the skillet. Whisk in flour, then hot milk mixture, until smooth and simmering. (Sauce can be made up to 4 hours ahead: Cover surface directly with plastic wrap, to prevent a skin from forming, and refrigerate; return to a simmer before proceeding.)
• Add beans and onions; simmer until sauce is thick enough to cling, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to a serving bowl, sprinkle with toasted almonds and serve immediately.

GREEN BEANS WITH BREAD CRUMBS

Steps:

• Combine green beans and 1/2 cup water in a medium pot. Cover, and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium, and let beans cook for 10 minutes, or until tender. Drain well.
• Place beans in a medium serving bowl, and mix in bread crumbs, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano and basil. Toss mixture until the beans are coated. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and serve.