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Haricots verts are slim, tender French green beans with a naturally sweet flavor. They cook quickly and make an effortless side dish for almost any meal.
Here, they’re simply blanched and then sautéed with garlic and olive oil—or butter, if you prefer. It’s a side that’s light, flavorful, and elegant enough for a holiday table or dinner party, yet still easy for a weeknight meal.
What You’ll Like About This Dish
Quick and elegant. Ready in minutes but looks and tastes restaurant-worthy.
Fresh garlic flavor. Sautéed garlic adds warmth and aroma without overpowering the beans.
Perfect texture. Blanching keeps the beans crisp-tender and bright green.
Flexible seasoning. Delicious on its own or finished with cheese, herbs, or lemon.
Ingredient Notes
- Haricots verts: Thinner and more tender than regular green beans; cook quickly and evenly.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the beans their classic flavor.
- Olive oil or butter: Either works — olive oil for lightness, butter for richness.
- Salt and pepper: Season simply and generously.
- Parmesan (optional): Adds a savory, nutty finish.
Steps to Make Haricots Verts With Garlic
- Bring salted water to a boil and cook the beans briefly.
- Drain and rinse the beans under cold water to stop cooking.
- Sauté garlic in olive oil or butter until fragrant.
- Add the beans and toss gently until heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.
Tips
- Blanch only 4 to 5 minutes — overcooking dulls the color and texture.
- Rinse the beans with cold water or plunge into ice water to keep them bright green.
- Cook garlic just until fragrant; browning it can make it taste bitter.
- Dry the beans well before sautéing so they don’t steam in the pan.
- Add Parmesan off the heat so it melts gently into the beans.
Recipe Variations
- Add a squeeze of lemon. Finish with fresh lemon juice or zest for brightness.
- Top with almonds. Sprinkle toasted sliced almonds for texture.
- Make it herby. Toss with fresh parsley, thyme, or tarragon before serving.
- Drizzle with balsamic. A touch of balsamic glaze adds a sweet-tangy finish.
- Go buttery. Use all butter instead of olive oil for a richer flavor.
- Spicy kick. Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic.
- Brown butter finish. Use browned butter in place of olive oil for deep, nutty flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a simple side for roast chicken, beef, or salmon.
- Pair with mashed potatoes or rice for a classic meal.
- Add them to a holiday or dinner party spread for a light green side.
- Garnish with extra herbs or toasted nuts for an elegant presentation.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate. Store leftover haricots verts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze? Freezing is not recommended, as the beans can become soft and lose their crisp texture when thawed.
To Reheat. Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of olive oil or butter just until heated through.
Haricots Verts With Garlic
Ingredients
- 1 pound haricots verts, (French green beans)
- 2 tsp Kosher salt for the cooking water, plus more for finishing needed
- 2 tbsp olive oil, or butter
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 to 3 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
- Cook the haricots verts. Fill a large saucepan with water; add 2 teaspoons of kosher salt. Place the pan over high heat and bring to a boil. Add the green beans to the water and bring back to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, cover the pan, and cook the green beans for 4 to 5 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.1 pound haricots verts | 2 tsp Kosher salt for the cooking water
- Sauté the garlic. In a skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the grated garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for about 30 seconds or until the garlic is aromatic and just begins to change color.2 tbsp olive oil | 2 cloves garlic
- Finish the dish. Add the green beans to the garlic mixture and cook, stirring gently, until hot. Sprinkle lightly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately with Parmesan cheese if desired.Freshly ground black pepper | 2 to 3 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
