Green Bean Casserole

Description §

This creamy and flavorful green bean casserole is the perfect side dish for any meal. Made with fresh green beans, a variety of mushrooms, and a rich cheese sauce, it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

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Ingredients §

• 1.5-2lb green beans, blanched for 2 minutes
• 1lb crimini mushrooms
• 8oz shiitake mushrooms
• 2 yellow onions
• 5 cloves garlic
• 5 sprigs thyme
• 1 fresh bay leaf
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2.5 cups milk
• 2.5 cups heavy cream
• 4oz Parmesan cheese
• 4oz gruyere cheese
• Salt and pepper
• Breadcrumbs for topping
• 5 shallots
• Oil for frying

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Method §

1. Either chop or run your mushrooms in the food processor until you have a mince.
2. Preheat a pan over medium heat and add a few tablespoons of oil. Once it shimmers, add the mushrooms and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring often. The mushrooms will release a lot of water, and then you want to get some color on them.
3. Add the butter, onions, garlic, and aromatics to the pan. Saute until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and cook for 3 minutes.
5. Add a splash of the dairy and scrape the bottom of the pan to pick up all the fond.
6. Pour in the rest of the dairy. If you want a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to blitz it, making sure not to blend the thyme and bay leaf (tying them together makes that easier).
7. Simmer for 20 minutes to ensure the flour is cooked and the sauce is thickened.
8. Gradually add in the grated cheese, stirring until it is all melted. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
9. Pour the cheese sauce over the green beans in a casserole dish and mix well.
10. If preparing in advance, cover and refrigerate at this point. On the day of serving, continue with the following steps.
11. Preheat the oven to 350°F/176°C.
12. Cover the top of the casserole with an even layer of breadcrumbs and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden.
13. Top with fried shallots and serve.
14. To make the fried shallots, slice them into 1/4 inch thick slices and place them in a small pot. Cover with neutral oil and heat over medium heat until the oil reaches 350°F/176°C.