Green Beans with Caramelized Shallots

Green Beans with Caramelized Shallots
Adapted from Southern Living

I made these green beans as a side dish for my latest Southern style dinner and to be honest I enjoyed these green beans almost as much as I enjoyed the main dish. They were so flavourful and light with just the right amount of sweetness. The key to this dish is to not overcook the beans and use the best balsamic you can find. You can make these beans as a side for any kind main; fish, chicken, beef...perfect with anything. I hope you love them as much as I did. Enjoy!

Serves: 4

Ingredients:
1 pound green beans, trimmed
1 tablespoon butter
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon olive oil
6 small shallots, peeled and quartered
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Salt & Pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Cook green beans in boiling salted water to cover 3 to 4 minutes or until crisp-tender; drain. Plunge beans into ice water to stop the cooking process; drain.

2. Combine the butter, brown sugar and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

3. Add the shallots and saute for 2 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low, add the balsamic vinegar and saute 5 minutes or until the shallots are golden brown and tender.

4. Increase the heat to medium-high; add the green beans and saute 5 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.