Name: Green Beans Parmesan
Total time: PLACEHOLDER
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 cup fresh bread crumbs; 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small onion , chopped fine; Table salt; 2 cloves garlic , minced; 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes , drained; 1 pound green beans , ends trimmed; 1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth; Ground black pepper

Why This Recipe Works

Green beans are one of the few vegetables almost everyone will eat, and we are always on the lookout for more recipes in which they star. Green Beans Parmesan is a classic side dish in which the beans are topped with a quick tomato sauce, crunchy bread crumbs, and nutty Parmesan cheese. For success, we cooked the recipes in steps. First we toasted the bread crumbs, then we cooked the tomato topping, and then we sautéed the green beans. Braising the beans in broth flavored with the tomato mixture—after they are sautéed—softens them and deepens the flavor of our Green Bean Parmesan recipe.

Before You Begin

Water can be used in place of the chicken broth, but the flavor won’t be as good. To make fresh bread crumbs, process 2 slices of hearty white sandwich bread in a food processor.

Instructions

Melt butter in large skillet over medium heat. Stir in bread crumbs and cook, tossing often, until golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to medium bowl and toss with 1/4 cup Parmesan and basil.

Wipe out skillet, add 1 tablespoon oil, and heat over medium heat until shimmering. Add onion and 1/4 teaspoon salt and cook until soft and golden, 3 to 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add tomatoes and cook until liquid evaporates, about 3 minutes. Transfer to small bowl.

Wipe out skillet again and heat remaining tablespoon oil over medium-high heat until just smoking. Add green beans and 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook, turning beans several times, until browned in spots, about 8 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in tomato mixture and broth. Cover and cook until beans are just tender, about 5 minutes. Remove lid and cook until liquid evaporates, 1 to 2 minutes.

Off heat, toss in remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper. Transfer to serving dish and top with bread crumbs. Serve.