Green beans with mustard cream sauce

 Green beans with mustard cream sauce is a classic and versatile side dish that's both easy to make and flavorful. The creamy sauce complements the crisp-tender green beans perfectly, while the mustard adds a delightful tangy kick. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect:

Green Beans:

• Fresh green beans are the star of the dish. You can trim them to your desired size, with bite-sized pieces being a popular choice.

Creamy Sauce:

• Base: This can be made with various options, each offering a slightly different texture and flavor:
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and decadent sauce.
  • Milk (whole milk or lighter options): Provides a lighter and healthier alternative while still offering creaminess. You can use non-dairy milk options like almond milk or cashew milk for a vegan version.
  • Sour Cream: Adds a touch of tanginess to the sauce. You can use full-fat sour cream for a richer taste or lighten it up with low-fat options.
• Thickener:
  • Flour: A classic thickener that gets whisked with butter to create a roux before adding the cream or milk.
  • Cornstarch: Another option to thicken the sauce. Mix a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch with a little water) into the hot sauce and cook until thickened.
• Mustard: The key flavor component! There are various types of mustard you can use, each providing a different level of pungency and flavor profile:
  • Dijon Mustard: A popular choice offering a sharp and tangy flavor.
  • Whole-Grain Mustard: Adds a coarser texture and a more robust mustard flavor.
  • Honey Mustard: Provides a touch of sweetness to balance the tanginess. You can also add a touch of honey or maple syrup to a regular mustard for a similar effect.

Flavor Boosters (Optional):

• Garlic: Sautéed minced garlic adds a savory base to the sauce.
• Shallots: Offer a milder onion flavor compared to garlic and can be used in place of or in addition to garlic.
• Fresh Herbs: Chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme can be added at the end for an extra pop of flavor.
• Lemon Juice: A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten up the overall flavor profile.

Basic Steps:

1. Prepare the Green Beans: Wash and trim the green beans to your desired size. You can blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes to achieve a crisp-tender texture, or simply cook them directly in the sauce depending on your recipe.

2. Make the Creamy Sauce: The specific method may vary depending on your chosen thickener (roux or cornstarch slurry). Here's a general guideline:

   • Roux: Melt butter in a pan, whisk in flour, and cook for a minute. Gradually whisk in your chosen cream or milk and bring to a simmer.
   • Cornstarch Slurry: If using cornstarch, whisk together cornstarch and a little water to form a slurry. Add the slurry to the hot sauce (after sautéing any aromatics like garlic or shallots) and cook until the sauce thickens.

3. Add Mustard and Flavor Boosters: Once the sauce is thickened, stir in your chosen mustard and any additional flavorings like garlic, shallots, or lemon juice.

4. Combine with Green Beans: Add the cooked green beans to the creamy mustard sauce and toss to coat evenly. Heat through for a couple of minutes.

5. Seasoning: Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste.

6. Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh herbs (optional) and serve immediately.

Tips:

• Don't overcook the green beans. They should be crisp-tender, not mushy.
• If the sauce seems too thick, you can thin it out with a little more milk or broth.
• For a richer flavor, you can use some of the cooking water from the green beans when making the sauce.
• This dish is easily customizable. You can add other cooked vegetables like chopped broccoli, carrots, or peas for a more vibrant and flavorful side dish.