Haricots Verts with Hazelnuts, Balsamic Vinegar, and Mustard

Courtesy of Dan Barber of Blue Hill at Stone Barns
Oprah.com | From the September 2008 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine

Fresh haricots verts with crunchy hazelnuts are a terrific complement to tender, fall-from-the-bone lamb.

You may substitute other green bean varieties, but since most other types are thicker, increase the cooking time by 2 to 3 minutes (until the beans are tender yet crisp).

Servings: Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

4 cups (12 ounces) trimmed haricots verts
2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1 Tbsp. finely chopped shallots
1/2 Tbsp. whole grain mustard
1/4 cup good-quality extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 tsp. hazelnut oil
1 Tbsp. chopped chives
1 Tbsp. plus 1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper
2 Tbsp. blanched hazelnuts toasted and coarsely chopped

Directions

Bring a 2-quart saucepan of water to a boil; season with 1 tablespoon. salt. Fill a large bowl with ice and water.

Add haricots verts and cook until tender but still crisp, about 1 minute. Drain immediately and place in ice water until chilled. Drain beans well and set aside.

Meanwhile, add balsamic vinegar to shallots in a medium bowl; let sit 30 minutes. Stir in mustard until combined. Gradually whisk in olive oil and hazelnut oil until blended. Whisk in chives, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper until combined.

Toss in beans and hazelnuts until evenly coated with dressing and serve.

Printed from Oprah.com on May 25, 2012