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Close-up of glossy green beans topped with crispy pancetta pieces on a white platter.
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Green Beans with Shallots and Pancetta

This recipe for green beans with shallots and pancetta turns a simple side dish into something special. The pancetta adds a salty bite, the shallots turn sweet as they caramelize, and the blanched beans stay bright and crisp.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 142kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds haricots verts thin French green beans or green beans, stem ends trimmed
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 ounces pancetta diced
  • 2 medium shallots thinly sliced
  • ½ cup chicken stock
  • Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sherry vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook until just tender, but still crisp, about 2 minutes.
  2. Drain and immediately plunge into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Drain again and place on a clean kitchen towel to dry.
  3. Add the olive oil and pancetta to a cold, large skillet then turn the heat to medium.
  4. Cook, stirring occasionally, until it renders its fat and turns golden brown, about 5 minutes.
  5. Remove the pancetta with a slotted spoon, leaving the fat in the pan, and drain on paper towels. Reserve for garnish.
  6. Add the shallots to the pan and cook until softened and just starting to turn golden, about 4-5 minutes.
  7. Pour in the chicken stock, then let it simmer until it reduces by half, about 3-4 minutes.
  8. Add the blanched green beans and toss to coat. Season lightly with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Add the vinegar and butter, and then toss the beans around until they’re warmed through, the liquid has reduced and the butter emulsifies into a glossy sauce, about 2-3 minutes.
  10. Taste and adjust seasoning, then transfer to a serving platter.
  11. Sprinkle the reserved pancetta over top, then serve immediately.

Notes

  • For the most attractive presentation, only trim the tough stem ends of the beans rather than both ends.
  • When green beans turn a bright green color, it indicates they’ve been blanched just right.
  • Let the pancetta drain fully on paper towels to keep it crisp.
  • Blanch the beans ahead of time and keep them chilled for up to 2 days, then sauté just before serving.
  • Always use fresh green beans, not frozen, for the best color and texture. 
  • When green beans turn a bright green color, it indicates they’ve been blanched just right.
  • Keep your pan over very low heat when emulsifying the butter to avoid breaking the sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 142kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 100mg | Potassium: 308mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 903IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 1mg
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