Recipe and photo by Michael Chiarello of the Food Network and his cookbook called Easy Entertaining with Michael Chiarello.

This is not your mother’s green bean casserole recipe, as this dish is made from scratch with fresh green beans and mushrooms (I would not call this a casserole). This is a delightful updated version of the traditional green bean casserole and the use of fresh green beans is wonderful!

This green bean casserole recipe and dinner menu were generously shared with my by Linda Sandberg of Newberg, OR. Linda belongs to a Gourmet Dinner Group that delights in making wonderful foods that they share together. Check out A Night of Comfort (Updated Comfort Food Dinner) which includes this recipe.

More of Linda's great Bean Recipes, and learn about Green Bean Hints, Tips, and Information.
 

Fresh Green Bean Casserole

Arborio Rice Coating (see recipe below)
Fried Onions (see recipe below)
1 pound fresh green beans, ends trimmed
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
8 ounces sliced mushrooms
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
Coarse salt and freshly-ground black pepper to taste
1/3 cup brandy or cognac
1/3 cup red wine
1/3 cup chicken broth/stock

Prepare Arborio Rice Coating in advance (see below).

Prepare Fried Onions before cooking the green beans and set aside.

Bring the water to boil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Fill a large bowl with ice water and set aside.

Add the green beans and salt to the boiling water. Cover and cook for 4 to 6 minutes or until crisp-tender and still bright green. NOTE: Be sure to cook the beans to your desired level of doneness (taste one to see if it is cook properly - the beans should still be very crunchy). Remove from heat and drain beans well in a colander, then plunge into the ice water to stop the cooking. Again drain the partially-cooked green beans well and set aside.

In a large frying pan over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add mushroom and cook until browned, approximately 4 to 5 minutes (don't stir the mushrooms so that they can properly caramelize).

After onions are caramelized, add garlic, salt, and pepper and sauté until garlic is fragrant, approximately 1 minute. Remove pan from the heat and add the brandy or cognac. Return pan to heat and stir in the wine and chicken broth; Bring just to a boil and let simmer approximately 2 to 3 minutes to blend flavors and until the sauce is reduced and slightly thickened. Stir int the pre-cooked and drained green beans and toss to coat. Remove from heat.

Place the cooked mushrooms and beans on a large serving plate, and season to taste with additional salt and pepper. Top with the Fried onions before serving.

Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Arborio Rice Coating:
1 cup arborio rice
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup semolina flour
2 tablespoon fine salt
1 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper

Grind the rice to a very fine powder in a blender or spice grinder; lace in a bowl and add the flour, semolina, salt, and pepper. Toss until well blended.

Can be stored in a air-tight container in the freezer for maximum freshness.

Fried Onions:
2 quarts peanut oil (for frying)
2 large red onions, thinly sliced and separated into rings
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 cups arborio rice coating (see recipe above)
Coarse salt

In a deep fryer or a deep pot, heat peanut oil to 375 degrees F.

Place onion rings in a large bowl. Pour buttermilk over the onions and toss to coat. Shake off the excess buttermilk and dip the onions into the Arborio Rice coating, covering thoroughly.

In small batches, fry the onions until crispy, approximately 2 minutes per batch. Scoop out the onions with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels; set aside and season with salt to taste.