Classic Julia Child Green Beans Recipe with Fresh Herbs

Julia Child’s green beans unlock a symphony of flavor that dazzles taste buds and transforms humble vegetables into culinary magic.

These emerald gems whisper stories of French countryside kitchens and passionate cooking.

Her meticulous technique elevates simple ingredients into extraordinary experiences.

Every forkful promises a sensory journey through carefully balanced seasonings and precise cooking methods.

The recipe blends traditional wisdom with innovative touches that make vegetables sing.

Green beans shimmer with buttery brilliance, promising a side dish that steals the spotlight from main courses.

Savor the delicate dance of textures and flavors that will revolutionize your relationship with this classic vegetable!

How to Cook Green Beans the Julia Child Way

• Prepare Ingredients

Grab a sharp knife and cutting board. Chop fresh cabbage into fine, delicate pieces. Dice a crisp apple for sweetness. Slice an onion to add depth and zest. Gather your vinegar, sugar, and spices for a flavor-packed adventure.

• Build Flavor Foundation

Toss all chopped ingredients into a large saucepan. Pour in vinegar and sprinkle sugar. Add a splash of water and a few aromatic cloves. Gently mix everything, letting the ingredients whisper their potential deliciousness.

• Unleash Cooking Magic

Crank up the heat to medium-high. Watch as the mixture starts to bubble and dance. Stir occasionally, preventing any sneaky sticking to the bottom. Let the ingredients mingle and release their incredible flavors.

• Slow Simmer To Perfection

Dial down the heat to a gentle whisper. Cover the pan, trapping all those incredible aromas. Let the mixture simmer and transform for about an hour and a half. Peek in occasionally, adding a splash of water if things look dry.

• Final Flavor Flourish

Taste your creation with a careful spoon. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to make your taste buds sing. Stir one last time, letting the flavors blend into a harmonious symphony. Serve warm and savor every delightful bite.

Ways to Elevate Julia’s Green Beans

• Enhance Sweet-Sour Cabbage Experience
• Pickle Your Flavor Combinations by swapping apple with pear or adding shredded carrots for extra sweetness and color complexity.
• Balance Spice Levels by introducing crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika for subtle heat and depth.
• Optimize Storage Techniques by transferring cooled cabbage into sealed glass containers, which can preserve freshness up to 5-7 days in refrigerator and develop richer flavor profiles over time.
• Elevate Serving Suggestions by pairing with roasted meats, serving alongside hearty sausages, or using as a vibrant side dish for traditional Eastern European meals like schnitzel or bratwurst.

Serving Julia Child’s Green Beans with Flair

• Pair with Hearty Proteins: Complement this tangy cabbage dish with roasted pork chops, grilled bratwurst, or slow-cooked beef brisket for a satisfying meal.
• Create Rustic Plating: Serve in a wooden bowl or cast-iron skillet to enhance the homey, traditional feel of this comfort food.
• Add Fresh Garnishes: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top to bring a bright, herbal note and add a pop of color to the dish.
• Perfect Side Dish Companion: Enjoy alongside buttered egg noodles, creamy mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious cooking juices.

Leftover Tips for Green Beans by Julia

• Preserve Freshness: Store cooked cabbage in airtight glass containers, keeping them sealed tightly in the refrigerator for optimal taste and texture.
• Refrigeration Lifespan: Enjoy your delicious cabbage dish within 3-4 days of preparation, ensuring maximum flavor and food safety during storage.
• Freezing Strategy: Pack cooled cabbage in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn and maintain quality for up to 3 months.
• Reheating Recommendations: Warm refrigerated or thawed cabbage gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying and restore original moisture and delectable taste.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 120 kcal

Servings: 4

What Goes Into Julia Child Green Beans

• Cabbage: Choose a firm, dense head with crisp, vibrant green leaves and no brown spots.
• Apple: Select a sweet-tart variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for balanced flavor and firm texture.
• Onion: Pick a fresh, firm onion with smooth, papery skin and no soft spots or sprouting.

• Cider Vinegar: Look for raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar with a robust, tangy profile.
• Sugar: Use white granulated sugar for clean, straightforward sweetness.
• Water: Opt for filtered water to ensure pure, clean taste.

• Whole Cloves: Choose plump, dark brown cloves with a strong, fragrant aroma.
• Salt: Select fine sea salt for even distribution and pure mineral taste.
• Ground Black Pepper: Use freshly ground black pepper for maximum flavor intensity.

Tools to Prep Julia’s Green Beans Perfectly

• Large Saucepan: Sturdy pot with ample space for mixing and simmering ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Solid surface for chopping cabbage, apple, and onion safely.
• Sharp Kitchen Knife: Reliable tool for precise vegetable dicing and chopping.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for gentle stirring and preventing ingredients from sticking.
• Measuring Cups: Accurate vessels for portioning vinegar, sugar, and water.
• Measuring Spoons: Precise tools for adding salt, pepper, and whole cloves.
• Tight-Fitting Lid: Covers saucepan during simmering to retain moisture and flavors.
• Tasting Spoon: Clean utensil for sampling and adjusting seasonings.

Crispy Julia Child Green Beans Recipe

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4.9 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Julia Child’s classic green beans amandine brings French countryside elegance to simple vegetable preparation. Crisp green beans tossed with toasted almonds and butter create a delightful side dish that delights those who appreciate refined cooking techniques.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 cups (1.4 L / 1 small head) red cabbage, chopped
• 1 medium apple, peeled and sliced
• 0.5 onion, thinly sliced
• 0.25 cup (60 mL) apple cider vinegar
• 3 tbsps (45 mL) white sugar
• 0.33 cup (80 mL) water (add more if needed)
• 0.125 tsp ground cloves
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prep Station: Assemble all ingredients, meticulously chopping cabbage into uniform pieces, dicing apple into small cubes, and mincing onion to ensure balanced flavor distribution.
2. Flavor Foundation: Combine chopped cabbage, diced apple, and minced onion in a large saucepan, creating a vibrant base for the braising process.
3. Seasoning Fusion: Introduce cider vinegar, granulated sugar, water, whole cloves, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper into the saucepan, ensuring even ingredient dispersion.
4. Heat Activation: Place saucepan on stovetop, elevate to medium-high heat, allowing ingredients to warm and harmonize their complex flavor profiles.
5. Boiling Point: Monitor liquid until it reaches a vigorous rolling boil, signaling the initial cooking and flavor-melding stage.
6. Simmering Transformation: Reduce heat to low, initiating a gentle simmer that will gradually tenderize vegetables and develop rich, deep flavors.
7. Moisture Preservation: Secure saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, trapping essential moisture and preventing excessive liquid evaporation during the 90-minute cooking journey.
8. Culinary Maintenance: Periodically stir the mixture every 15-20 minutes, preventing adherence to pan and ensuring uniform cooking. Replenish with water if the mixture appears dry or threatens to stick.
9. Final Refinement: After 90 minutes, lift the lid and assess the cabbage’s tenderness. Carefully adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to elevate the flavor complexity.
10. Presentation: Serve the braised cabbage warm as an enticing side dish, remembering to remove whole cloves before presenting the aromatic creation.

Notes

• Prep with Precision: Uniformly chop vegetables to ensure even cooking and balanced flavor distribution.
• Manage Moisture Carefully: Check liquid levels every 15-20 minutes, adding water to prevent burning and maintain desired consistency.
• Clove Caution: Remove whole cloves before serving to avoid unexpected biting into sharp spice elements.
• Flavor Finale: Taste and adjust seasonings at the end of cooking for a perfectly balanced braised cabbage dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 10 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg