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Crisp Haricots Verts with Pine Nuts

This elegant vegetarian side dish elevates simple French beans into something truly special. By blanching the haricots verts quickly and refreshing them in ice water, they retain their vibrant green colour and signature snap. The dish relies on the deep, savoury notes of beurre noisette—butter cooked until it reaches a rich, toasted hazelnut aroma—which perfectly complements the earthy pine nuts and fresh oregano.

Perfect for a dinner party or a refined Sunday roast, these beans offer a wonderful contrast in textures. If you are preparing for guests, you can blanch the beans a day in advance and store them in the fridge, leaving only the quick final toss in the frying pan before serving. It is a light yet indulgent way to enjoy seasonal greens.

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Ingredients for Crisp Haricots Verts with Pine Nuts

  • 900g haricots verts, trimmed

  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 170g pine nuts

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped

  • 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

  • 1/4 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

How to make Crisp Haricots Verts with Pine Nuts

Have ready large bowl ice water. In large pot boiling salted water , blanch haricots verts until crisp-tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain, then plunge into ice water to stop cooking. Drain again and pat dry. (Haricots verts can be blanched 1 day ahead, drained and patted dry, and refrigerated until ready to use.)

In large skillet over moderately high heat, melt butter. Cook, uncovered, until dark golden and fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in pine nuts and toast, stirring, until golden, about 30 seconds. Add haricots verts, oregano, salt, and pepper; toss until heated through. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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