We fell in love with Haricots Verts with Pignoli during our extended stay at the Westin in Sydney, Australia. The club lounge offered it every morning with breakfast. Unusual by our traditions here in the states… but a satisfying way to start the day.
Why use a bamboo steamer basket? Bamboo is less conductive than metal, allowing food to cook primarily with circulating steam rather than from contact with the steamer itself. This method produces bright, beautiful, evenly cooked green beans.
Haricots Verts with Pignoli Recipe
- Servings: 4
- Calories per: 83
- Active Time: 5 min
- Total Time: 20 min
- Difficulty: Easy
| WHAT YOU NEED | WHAT TO DO | WHY |
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Add an inch of water to a 12-inch tri-ply everyday pan, bring to a boil over high heat (~7 minutes). Have on hand a 10-inch bamboo steamer basket. Meanwhile… | The pan is sized to hold a bamboo steamer. |
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Use a sharp kitchen or garden shears for nice, clean cuts. Add beans to the basket, cap with its cover; place over the now boiling water. Reduce heat to hold at a boil. Steam just until beans are tender and a brilliant shade of green (7-8 minutes). Remove the basket and discard the cooking water. Set aside. | After steaming, the beans must be removed from heat quickly to prevent overcooking. |
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In the now-empty pan over medium heat, toast the pine nuts just until fragrant (~5 minutes), shaking the pan regularly and monitoring closely. Set aside to cool. | Toasting amplifies flavor and lightens the texture, but pine nuts easily burn. |
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Add to pan along with beans; toss to coat. Serve warm or cool. | A light coat of butter just before serving freshens the flavor and adds dimension. |
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I hope you all like this recipe. It is so easy, and yet looks so elegant.