GREEN BEANS WITH SHALLOTS, HAZELNUTS, AND TARRAGON

Green Beans with Shallots, Hazelnuts, and Tarragon image

Provided by Susan Spungen

Yield Makes 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

6 tablespoons raw hazelnuts
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
3 large shallots, sliced (about 1 cup)
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 1/2 pounds haricots verts (thin green beans), trimmed
3 tablespoons fresh tarragon leaves, coarsely chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon zest

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread hazelnuts on a baking sheet and toast in the oven, tossing halfway through, until skins are splitting and nuts are fragrant, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a bowl to steam and cool, then rub the nuts with a kitchen towel to remove their skins. Roughly chop the hazelnuts and set aside.
In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add shallots and cook, tossing, until lightly golden and softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Reduce heat to medium, and add 1/2 cup water, remaining 2 tablespoons butter, salt, and pepper to the same pan. Add the haricots verts and toss to coat. Cover pan and cook, tossing occasionally, until bright green and crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Remove cover, raise heat to high and cook until the water evaporates and the beans are glazed, about 3 minutes more. Toss green beans with tarragon, lemon zest, hazelnuts, and sautéed shallots. Serve immediately.