Today I Learned How To French Cut Green Beans!

in cooking •  7 years ago 

Sounds simple, right?

Turns out there are a couple tips that will help you keep your fingers intact and make the process less tedious.

First, the straighter the bean, the better! I got lucky with the beans out of my Ragtag Garden as they were all relatively straight.

Second, a long knife works best to get a precise cut.

After removing the stem end of the bean, position it so the seams are level with the surface of the cutting board. Cut the bean length-wise. Narrower beans will only require one cut. Wider beans may require two.

Be especially careful with this technique because the beans will roll - placing your fingers under the blade. Be mindful before you cut.

Take your time!

Last, if the bean has too much curve, cut it into shorter lengths. You will end up with some odd looking bits, but that just tells folks it's not out of can! Not a bad job for a first attempt...

I stirred up a bit of ham soup base to cook them in. I used a steamer basket immersed in the liquid (to make clean up easier) and simmered them, covered, for about a half hour. They definitely cook quicker this way! Oh, and I have no connection to this product other than it's damn good and lives up to it's name.


Better Than Boullion Soup Base

Finished cooking and topped with a few bacon bits... Yum!



The best part...? There are lots more beans to be picked!


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That looks delicious, I've never made green beans with bacon before

They go surprisingly well together. I usually simmer them with a smoked pork hock. This version captures those flavors in a reduced-fat version. Plus, it's much quicker than the full-fledged version.

Make sense! If brussell sprouts and asparagus can be made with bacon, I'm sure green beans goes well too! Thanks for the great ideas!

Totally smitten with green bean dishes. These are attractive pictures - and it was a handy tip -- the bit about using a steamer basket (so the #beans would quickly cook).

Thanks 4 the post

They're easy and tasty! The basket also helps catch the small pieces of the actual bean. Loads of nutrients that I don't want to lose. Worked like a charm!

So glad you enjoyed!

that's nice

really yummy !!!I think baking is very rewarding, and if you follow a good recipe, you will get success

I think you need a better translation bot.

I love to pickle mine with garlic!

Ooooh, that sounds yummy!

I LOVE fresh garden beans! Nicely done.

They're one of my favorites, too. Thanks! I'm already planning for an expanded crop next year. ;~D

meep

hello @ionlysaymeep! Meep to you, too!

meep

There are more beans to be picked

she says.

Good times our gardens LOL

Yup yup, you know it! ;~P

I just harvested our first batch of green beans and can't wait to eat them! I might have to try this!

Yay for green beans! Would love to hear your verdict, if you do...

Have a smooth day!

Looks yummy! Going to try that ham base. Glad you have lots more to pick. 🐓🐓

Thanks! So much fun to pick my own beans. (Used to whine about it as a kid. Lol!)

That soup base is fabulous! Ham is a hard flavor to find anyway - at least one that's not pure salt - and this one makes your mouth water the minute the lid is off. A little pricey, but you don't need much. Well worth it! I hope you like it as much as I do!

We did a lot of picking when we were kids too. Same thing, awe Mom how much more? Even then we seemed to know it was all about what's for dinner! 🐓🐓

Got to take a photo for the grocery store. I love my green beans. You are on a roll lately in the garden. Good for you! 🐓🐓

I didn't know there was a special way to cut them, that taught me :)

That turned out delish looking! I usually buy the French cut. Don't know why but they seem to taste better like that lol.

Thanks! It was pretty tasty... And it's nice to know I'm not they only one who thinks French cut tastes better. Maybe it's because more of the tender center is exposed? But, given a choice, I'll choose these every time.

Just looking at these make me wince!
The number of cuts to myself trying to slice beans like this doesn't bear thinking about.

Maybe you could use tongs to hold them? It is definitely a risky maneuver and I'd hate for anyone to get injured. I was actually sitting down when doing the cutting. It seemed to afford more control.

Well that makes me hungry just looking at it!

Green beans and just about any smoked pork item is a good match, in my book. I was going for the smoked pork hock flavor without all the fat. It worked pretty well, but it could be 'richer'. Definitely a keeper, tho!

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wow nice