Haricots Verts With Bacon And Chestnuts

(CBS/Gourmet)  Get ready for the holidays with recipes from Gourmet's November 2008 Thanksgiving Issue.

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SERVES 6
ACTIVE TIME: 20 min | START TO FINISH: 25 min

NOVEMBER 2008 (PAGE 157)

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Gourmet test kitchen director Ruth Cousineau wanted something very simple but very savory to add to her Thanksgiving green beans. Bacon and chestnuts turned out to be a perfect pairing for the vegetable, as the latter picks up the smoky flavor of the former. With the widespread availability of bottled roasted chestnuts, these additions are an easy way to make a standard side dish something special.

1 1/2 lb haricots verts or other thin green beans, trimmed
4 bacon slices
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 cup bottled peeled roasted whole chestnuts, coarsely crumbled

Cook beans in a medium pot of boiling salted water (2 tablespoons salt for 4 quarts water), uncovered, until crisp-tender, 4 to 6 minutes. Drain and plunge into an ice bath to stop cooking. Drain well and pat dry.

Cook bacon in a large heavy skillet over medium heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels, reserving fat in skillet, then crumble. Add butter to fat in skillet along with beans, chestnuts, bacon, and 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until heated through, 2 to 3 minutes.

COOKS' NOTE: Haricots verts can be washed and trimmed 1 day ahead and chilled in a sealable bag lined with paper towels.
© 2008 Gourmet Magazine