Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of French cuisine with our exquisite French flageolet beans recipes. These tender, emerald-green beans, also known as "flageolets", hold a special place in French culinary tradition, celebrated for their delicate flavor and versatility. In this comprehensive guide, we present three distinct recipes that showcase the diverse culinary expressions of flageolet beans.
1. **Classic French Flageolet Beans with Herbs:** Embark on a classic culinary adventure with this timeless recipe. Simple yet elegant, this dish features flageolet beans simmered in a flavorful broth infused with aromatic herbs. The result is a comforting and wholesome dish that embodies the essence of French home cooking.
2. **Flageolet Bean Salad with Vinaigrette:** Experience a refreshing and vibrant take on flageolet beans with this vibrant salad. Perfectly cooked flageolet beans are tossed with crisp vegetables, tangy vinaigrette, and fresh herbs, creating a delightful medley of flavors and textures. This salad is a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, fish, or as a light and satisfying meal on its own.
3. **Flageolet Bean Soup with Smoked Ham:** Indulge in the rich and smoky flavors of this hearty soup. Tender flageolet beans are simmered in a flavorful broth enriched with smoked ham, aromatic vegetables, and a touch of cream. This soup is a true embodiment of comfort and warmth, perfect for chilly evenings or as a satisfying lunch option.
Whether you seek classic simplicity, refreshing vibrance, or hearty indulgence, our collection of French flageolet bean recipes offers something for every palate. Prepare to be captivated by the unique charm and culinary versatility of these beloved French beans.
FRENCH FLAGEOLET BEANS
Steps:
- The night before cooking, place the beans in a large bowl and cover them with water by 1 inch. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- The next day, preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Drain the beans, rinse well, and drain again. In a large ovenproof pot such as Le Creuset, heat the olive oil over medium to medium-low heat, add the bacon, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until the bacon starts to brown. Add the onion, fennel, and carrots and cook for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften but aren't browned. Add the garlic and saute for 1 to 2 more minutes.
- Add the flageolets to the pot and stir in the broth, bay leaves, and rosemary. (Don't be tempted to add salt! The beans will become tough.) Add 2 cups of water, which should just cover the beans, and bring to a simmer on top of the stove. Cover the pot tightly and bake in the oven for 45 minutes. Remove the lid, stir in 1 tablespoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper, and return the pot to the oven without the lid. Raise the temperature to 350 degrees and bake for 30 to 45 more minutes. The beans will be very tender and there will be just a little liquid in the bottom of the pan. (If the beans are dry, add a little more water.) Discard the bay leaves and rosemary. Taste for seasonings and serve hot.
CREAMY FLAGEOLET BEANS, FRENCH STYLE
This dish can be made a day ahead of serving, simply reheat gently in a saucepan. The specified cooking time is an estimated one as beans can differ in the time they take to cook, depending on how fresh they are. Soaking time for the beans is not included in the preparation time.
Provided by Mrs B
Categories Beans
Time 1h55m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Place the beans in a large bowl, cover with plenty of cold water and leave to soak overnight (you can also soak these in the morning if you are eating in the evening).
- Drain the beans, place them in a large saucepan, cover with cold water, bring it to the boil and then drain them; repeat, covering the beans with plenty of cold water and adding the garlic, thyme, and bay leaf; simmer the beans for 1 ½ hours until very tender, topping up the pan with boiling water if necessary.
- Check the beans after 1 ¼ hours; when ready they should be tender and creamy-textured inside,
- Drain the beans, reserving a mug of cooking liquor and discarding the herbs; return the beans and garlic to the saucepan, stir in the crème fraiche with a little of the liquor and parsley and season with salt, pepper and lemon juice.
- If you prepare these in advance, add a little more of the cooking liquor when reheating.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 303.2, Fat 9.8, SaturatedFat 5.8, Cholesterol 34.2, Sodium 28, Carbohydrate 40.3, Fiber 15.8, Sugar 1.6, Protein 15.7
Tips:
- Mise en Place: Before you start cooking, make sure you have all your ingredients and tools ready and set up, including pre-soaking the flageolet beans overnight or for at least 8 hours.
- Choose Fresh Beans: For the best results, use fresh flageolet beans if they are available. Look for beans that are plump and green, with no signs of bruising or damage.
- Cooking Time: Flageolet beans take longer to cook than other types of beans, so plan accordingly. They may take up to 2 hours or more to cook until tender, depending on the method you choose.
- Seasoning: Don't be afraid to season your flageolet beans well. They can handle bold flavors, so don't be shy with herbs, spices, and aromatics.
- Serve with Sides: Flageolet beans can be served as a main course or as a side dish. They pair well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and fresh salads.
Conclusion:
Flageolet beans are a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. With their nutty flavor and creamy texture, they are sure to please everyone at your table. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting way to cook with beans, give flageolet beans a try. You won't be disappointed!
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