Green Beans Au Gratin

Green Beans Au Gratin with Crispy Shallots

 

INGREDIENTS

·       1 pound green beans, trimmed — SGC# 192773

·       Kosher salt, as needed — SGC# 052100

·       2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil — SGC# 053057

·       8 ounces crimini, baby bella mushrooms, thinly sliced — SGC# 196444; 192664

·       2 cloves garlic, chopped — SGC# 301247

·       3 tablespoons unsalted butter — SGC# 054023

·       2 tablespoons all-purpose flour — SGC# 053330

·       1 cup Heavy Cream — SGC# 195487

·       1 cup Shredded Gruyere — SGC# 055839

·       ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese — SGC# 055179

For the crispy shallots:

·       vegetable oil, as needed, for frying — SGC# 054425

·       1 cup Buttermilk — SGC# 194563

·       1 cup all-purpose flour — SGC# 053330

·       1 tablespoon kosher salt — SGC# 052100

·       1 teaspoon ground black pepper — SGC# 051109

·       2 medium shallots, thinly sliced — SGC# 193649

DIRECTIONS

1.     Bring a medium pot filled halfway with water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add ¼ cup of salt and stir until all the salt is dissolved. The water should taste similar to ocean water.

2.     French the beans, removing the strings on both sides with a paring knife. Add the green beans to the water and cook until tender, about 3 minutes.

3.     Drain the green beans and add to a large bowl filled with cold water and ice cubes to stop the cooking process. When the green beans are cool remove them from the ice and drain again. Set aside until ready to use.

4.     Heat oven to 375ºF (190ºC).

5.     Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat, add the olive oil and heat through. Add the mushrooms and sauté, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and reduced in size, about 6 minutes. Season with salt then add the butter and garlic, cooking until the garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds.

6.     Stir in the flour and let cook, continuing to whisk frequently until the mixture is pale brown. Add the milk, stirring to combine. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture has thickened, about 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

7.     Add the green beans to a large baking dish and pour the cream mixture over the top, tossing to combine. Top with the parmesan and bake until the top is bubbling, about 20 minutes.

8.     For the crispy shallots:

9.     In a large sauté pan over medium heat, heat enough vegetable oil to fill about an inch up the pan. Heat the oil to 350°F

10.  Add the milk to a medium mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, salt and pepper in another medium bowl. Dip a handful of the shallots into the milk then toss them in the flour mixture to coat. Add to the hot oil and fry until golden brown all over. Remove the towel-lined plate to drain.