Green Beans with Hazelnut Butter

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 30 min


3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons finely chopped shallot (1 small)
1/2 teaspoon finely grated fresh lemon zest
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
1/3 cup hazelnuts (1 1/2 oz), toasted, any loose skins rubbed off, and nuts finely chopped
1 1/2 lb green beans, trimmed

Stir together butter, shallot, zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until combined. Add hazelnuts and stir until combined well.
Cook beans in a 4- to 5-quart pot of boiling salted water, uncovered, until just tender, 5 to 8 minutes. Drain beans in a colander, then return hot beans to pot and toss with hazelnut butter.

Green Beans with Hazelnut Butter
Makes 4 servings.
Gourmet
May 2004